Famed record producer Tony Brown added the Academy of Country Music Icon award to his already full trophy cabinet recently. Prior to the exclusive ceremony held August 21 at the Ryman Auditorium, Brown spoke to Franklin Lifestyle about the honor and memories from his storied career, which include playing with Elvis Presley, recording Reba McEntire’s iconic “Fancy” and longtime work with George Strait.
In fact, Brown and Strait recently reunited for the artist’s upcoming album, Cowboys And Dreamers, their 20th project together. In order to escape the hustle and bustle of Music Row, they retreated to The Castle studio in Franklin. “It was the perfect vibe for this record for him to come back to town,” says Brown, who has produced 37 of Strait’s 60 number one hits. “We always recorded in Nashville, never in Texas, and at some point we started cutting at Jimmy Buffett’s studio in Key West, Shrimp Boat Sound. When I heard I was getting this award, it felt like the first time I had a number one record, or the first time I had a big hit with George,” he continues. “It’s a feeling that never gets old.”
After a successful career as a touring musician and label executive, Brown found himself in the producer chair. “I’ve had about 100 number one records, and "Fancy" is probably the most famous song I ever produced,” he says, adding that it was on the first album he produced for Reba. The first album he produced for Strait was the landmark Pure Country. Around the same time, Brown worked with Patty Loveless, Lyle Lovett and Steve Earle. He also signed Vince Gill and produced “When I Call Your Name.”
“Things started snowballing,” he says. “I was in the right place at the right time. There was a point where everyone thought I had a magic wand, where if I cut your record, you’d have a hit. I used to have five of the top 10 songs. To get this award makes me feel relevant again.” Brown received the Icon award alongside another of his famous signings, Trisha Yearwood. “She was undeniable,” he recalls. “To this day I think she is one of the best female country singers in the business.”
Brown offered her a record deal after seeing her perform at Douglas Corner, where she sang “She’s In Love With The Boy” and “The Thunder Rolls,” but the latter had already been promised to Garth Brooks. Her first single, “She’s In Love With The Boy” went on to number one. Brown produced her Grammy-winning recording of “How Do I Live.”
Growing up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Brown performed in a group with his siblings on the road with their father, a traveling evangelist. Around age 13, it was discovered that he could play piano by ear, and he pursued formal training in Texas. “My dream was to play in a big southern gospel group, and my hero was J.D. Sumner, the world’s lowest bass singer.” That dream came true when he joined Sumner’s band. It was through Sumner that Brown met Elvis, who was also a fan.
In the early ‘70s, Brown spent time playing with the Oak Ridge Boys, before being tapped to work for Elvis. “I joined a southern gospel group called Voice. Our job was to fly to Beverly Hills or Palm Springs or Graceland, and sing for Elvis. We would travel and hang out with him for a week. He would get up about 8 o’clock at night and sing gospel songs until 3 or 4 in the morning. I knew every song because I was raised on gospel, so it was perfect for me. Then eventually he put us on tour as the opener.”
On tour, Brown studied Elvis’ piano player in the TCB band, and when he left, Brown got the job. He was with Elvis until the star’s passing. “I played his last show, June 26, 1977 in Indianapolis, Indiana. We were about to leave for the next tour on August 16 and we were at the private Nashville airport. The Colonel sent his guy and told us the tour was off. On the way home, I heard on the radio that Elvis had been found dead. That’s how I found out I lost my gig.”
Brown’s intro to country music came next, playing with Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band, Rodney Crowell’s The Cherry Bombs and with Rosanne Cash. Eventually it led to his record label career and time as a hit producer.
During the last decade-plus, Brown has been honored to produce crossover artists coming to Nashville, including Lionel Richie’s Tuskegee and Cyndi Lauper’s Detour. Brown also released an autobiographical photography book titled Elvis, Strait, to Jesus.
“I have been the luckiest guy in all of country music to work with the people I’ve worked with,” he sums. “I don't take this award lightly and I'm so honored.” TonyBrownEnterprises.com