
Harry Brown Junior

Wynton says jazz is like democracy. I’d like to propose that jazz is also – and in many ways – a lot like Harry Brown.
Obituary
Immersed in the culture, connected to generations of tradition, a mixture or perhaps a juxtaposition of the sacred and the secular, Harry was equally at home and alive at the Saturday night jump-up as the Sunday morning service. He always brought his joyous and illuminating spirit to both. He loved his family and his Jamaican heritage, but Harry was no “I love people who look like me” merchant. He warmly embraced people from all backgrounds regardless and met them where they were. It was rare to visit a city anywhere in the world where someone didn’t know Harry Brown and if we did, by the time we got on the flight home somebody would have made friends with him.
He was keenly interested in people as individuals, but also in ideas: he explained Hegel and the Trinity to me once, on a tour bus, and it was thoroughly absorbing. When you spoke with him, he listened. He looked at you and connected wuth his heart. I never heard Harry use foul langauge and I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. In an industry that can be ruthless and fickle, full of egotism and careerists, Harry was a rarity: his friendship was genuine caring and unwavering.
He conducted himself professionally with integrity and dignity. He never seemed to get flustered, and he gained the respect and popularity which enabled him to build the musical career he had dreamed of.
From the Pentecostal church he grew up in and which remained important to him always, to Orchestral playing, Shows, studies at RAM and Cambridge, time performing with NYJO and countless studio sessions, to the Jazz and Reggae he devoted himself to, Harry was a highly skilled and conscientous colleague. He listened, absorbed, and loved music.
Harry was one of the very few true friends I have from music – through thick and thin. He was a devout Christian and walked the walk. He took you for who you are, saw the good, and was always there to give guidance or practical support.
Harry was gentle and jovial, but he was not naive. He knew how to “play fool fi ketch wise” and on the occasions where he was being taken advantage of or not being given the credit or recompense he deserved from the people who he was most deserving of receiving it from, he still showed up, loyal, not bitter or sullen, and he gave 100%.
Harry could say things to people few would get away with. His warmth and playfulness was always there. You could see it in his face and hear it in his voice. And of course his trombone playing was imbued with his soulful spirit.
I spent so much time with him over the years, professionally and socially, on stage and at family events. He blessed the table at my wedding and always showed care and concern for his friends whether it was reciprocated or not.
Oh, and he was a poet. Although many folk would not know it because there were only a select few to whom he’d show it. Jason Yarde and I would regularly be regaled with his latest work and although my interest has waned in recent years, I will recall his verses with fondness always.
Harry Brown aka ‘Conqueror’, my dear friend, our friend, our brother, who we love so much and know you love us, until we meet again.
Sean Corby
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Harry was so friendly and positive towards and easy towards people I could have just as likely first met him at the bus stop or something and struck a conversation and that's another reason his presence had an impact on many. He would chat to my sons when he saw them in the area and it was really nice to think that he was there and sharing good energy and helping to make their world a better place as well as mine. They’d always tell me when they saw Harry .
Harry was always fun to be around and reminded me that enjoying yourself was important and sitting alongside him on bandstands was great because he was an excellent trombonist who listened intently to what was happening around him, as he knew that was how to make the best music possible, as well as the flow of jokes that kept the mood uplifting and often hilarious !
Harry appreciated people had different skills and attributes as musicians and he didn’t judge people or ever make them feel small which meant people felt they could be themselves and play their best. Harry was a unique and an incredibly versatile musician as he mastered and understood so many genres of music. Harry had an impact on so many people including young students who he inspired and developed as musicians and he’s a major reason why there are so many great young horn players in Lambeth.
He loved to chat about young musicians, and I think the reason he was such a good teacher was that he appreciated and celebrated individuality so his students didn’t feel like that had to fit into a mould and could therefore be their best selves . I think Harry had the same attitude with musicians he played with and that’s one of the reasons we loved him so much, he made people feel special.
I will miss Harry’s music , mischief , jokes , warmth , smile , skill , sound and support .
Harry's spirit lives on in so many hearts and I'll remember and try to honor him by thinking if Harry's way and use and recycle the good he brought to the world.
Much love
Robin Hopcraft
I didn't get to meet Harry too often as he was always busy playing trombone - he was truly dedicated to his craft. However, I cherish the time we did spend in each others company, and for his friendship. He had a natural warmth, and a genuine interest in other people. I'll miss that a lot.
He was simply a wonderful human being.
Thanks Harry.
I’m still struggling to accept that you are gone. Your warmth, kindness, humility, gentleness and charm was truly a superpower. Your incredible talent on the trombone was second to none. I knew some of your accolades, but only now am I finding out the full list, testament to your humility.
I can only imagine your blushes at the intense outpouring of love for you we have witnessed over the past couple of weeks.
Your encouragement and support was amazing - so many times, and even now in reading back through conversations, helping to give me the drive to continue in the face of life’s obstacles. When I bought my new (very expensive!) trombone, you were the first person I messaged. “Worth every penny” you said. Over the years, you became a mentor of sorts.
But so much more than that, you became a good friend, and our friendship extended beyond music. When I sent you pictures of my daughter, Jasmine at around 5 and a half months old, your response was “My heart is singing seeing these beautiful pictures” and when you did finally meet her in person, it’s clear to see from the pictures below that you had a strong connection. At that time, she was often uneasy in male company, and yet with you, she felt immediately safe. She’s no fool. She felt your energy and knew it was good.
Harry, we’re going to miss you so much. I really hope you knew how much you meant to me.
When I play now, I think of you. And I hope I will do you proud.
And I hope all of us can try to carry ourselves through life, and through music, a little bit more like Harry did.
Love eternally,
Charlotte and Jasmine

Fly amongst the Angels Harry.

As a hand artist, my eyes were drawn to Harry's hands as he played the trombone. I watched with admiration as his fingers moved with such skill and precision, bringing the music to life. His hands became a beautiful expression of creativity, reminding me that art can be found not only on a canvas,but also in the hands of a musician.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends,may his soul rest in peace.
Attached is a sketch I did of Harry.

My eldest daughter Venetia Morrison (r.i.e.p)..beside her is my Neice Daynah Morrison ..
Drums: Kenrick Rowe..
Guitar: Alan Weekes
Tenor sax: Brian Edwards
Tenor sax: Mike 'Bammy' Rose
Trumpet: Mark Crown
Trombone: Harry Brown
Behind them..Don Chandler :Bass
Out of view is Tony 'Groco' Uter our Percussionist who is now 96 years old

I recently bumped into him at a Kingsdale music concert, he remembered my name and he called me brother. I felt proud to know him and be known by him, and watching my kids play in that band are some of my happiest memories. I'll miss Harry, he was an extraordinary man
My Dear Cuz,
You have left your mark on this world, and your passing has left such sorrow in so many hearts.
I truly cannot find the words to adequately express the sadness I feel at losing you. So rather than dwell only on the sorrow of your passing, I want to speak about the joy you brought into the lives of so many simply by being who you were.
I have always believed that the true measure of a person is the imprint they leave behind in the lives of others.
Harry, you were such a person.
Whenever I speak to friends about you and tell them about the kind of man you were, the response is almost always the same:
“I wish I had known him.”
Some have even said that they wish they could have spent just a few minutes in your company.
To me, that speaks volumes.
To have such an impact on people who never even had the privilege of meeting you says something extraordinary about the life you lived and the person you were.
And for those of us who did have the privilege of knowing you, the loss is even harder to put into words.
I could go on and on about this wonderful human being I was blessed to call my cousin—about your kindness, your warmth, your faith, your humour, your loyalty, your generosity of spirit, and that special way you had of making people feel welcomed, valued and heard.
But perhaps the greatest tribute to you is not found in anything I can say.
It is found in what others are saying about you now.
I will leave with this thought.
We live, and one day we die. But I believe the true measure of our worth is revealed in what people say about us when we are no longer here to speak for ourselves, explain ourselves, or defend ourselves.
Not many of us will leave this world with the kind of testimony you have left behind Harry.
To hear people from so many different walks of life speak of you with such affection, admiration, gratitude and respect tells us everything we need to know.
You lived your life in such a way that, in your absence, others now speak for you.
They speak of your kindness.
They speak of your integrity.
They speak of your faith.
They speak of your friendship.
They speak of your music.
They speak of your laughter, your warmth and your wonderful spirit.
And above all, they speak of the goodness of the man.
That, to me, is the true measure of a life well lived.
Harry, you left your imprint on this world, but more importantly, you left your imprint on our hearts.
And for those of us who had the privilege of knowing you, loving you, laughing with you and simply sharing a part of this life with you, that imprint will remain with us for the rest of our lives.
I will miss you, Cuz, more than these words could ever express.
But I am grateful.
Grateful that you were here.
Grateful that you were ours.
And I am especially grateful that I had the privilege of calling you my cousin.
Rest in eternal peace, my dear Cuz.
You were deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten. xx
In Loving Memory of Harry Brown Jr
1974–2026
Before the stages,
before the orchestras,
before the applause,
there was a young man
with music in his heart
and faith beneath his feet.
The church was part of his beginning.
There, where voices were lifted in worship
and music carried prayers towards heaven,
something was being planted.
A gift.
A calling.
A sound that would one day travel
far beyond the walls where it began.
And travel it did.
Harry picked up the trombone,
and through his hands and breath
a voice emerged that was unmistakably his own.
Warm.
Soulful.
Alive.
That sound travelled.
Through jazz and reggae.
Through classical halls and West End stages.
Through studios and orchestras.
Across genres that others might have kept apart,
Harry found a way to belong among them all.
He arranged.
He composed.
He performed.
He taught.
He encouraged.
And wherever the music carried him,
something even more important travelled with it:
Harry himself.
His warmth.
His integrity.
His generosity.
His smile.
The quiet humanity behind the musician.
For achievements tell us
where a person travelled,
but character tells us
what they left behind.
And Harry left something behind
in many places.
In musicians who shared a stage with him.
In younger artists who learned from him.
In audiences who heard that trombone speak.
In friends who experienced his kindness.
In a church family that remembers where the journey began.
And most deeply,
in the hearts of those
who never needed a concert programme
to know who Harry was.
His family.
A beloved son.
A cherished brother.
Harry, your music travelled further
than perhaps that young musician
could ever have imagined.
But now another journey has begun.
The stage has grown quiet.
The trombone has been laid down.
And the breath that once travelled through brass
to create such beautiful sound
has returned to the God who first gave it.
Yet music has a remarkable quality.
It survives the final note.
It remains in those who heard it.
It returns unexpectedly through memory.
A melody.
A recording.
A photograph.
A familiar piece.
And suddenly,
the musician seems close again.
Scripture tells us:
“I have fought a good fight,
I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith.”
Harry,
you finished your course.
From the church where your foundations were laid
to stages many could only dream of reaching,
you carried your gift.
You shared it.
You developed it.
And you gave something of yourself
every time you played.
So today we will not measure your life
only by fifty-two years.
We will measure it by what those years contained.
By the music.
By the people.
By the opportunities given to others.
By the laughter.
By the friendships.
By the faith.
By the lives made richer
because Harry Brown passed their way.
And somewhere beyond everything
we can presently understand,
perhaps the musician now hears
a music greater than anything
he could ever have arranged.
Until we hear it too,
rest peacefully, Harry.
The trombone may be silent,
but the music is not.
For the musician has left the stage,
but what he gave the world
will keep playing.
🕊️
Written in loving tribute by Brian Kerr
Founder | Monday Sparks®️ Publishing
Forming Thought. Shaping Character.
— Monday Sparks®️ Publishing
My name is Clifton Morrison also known as 'Bigga'.
It is with GREAT sadness that I am here writing this tribute to the GREAT Harry Brown Jnr.
Harry, was a humble student of life & music, who listened keenly & then became a knowledgeable teacher, proudly doing his homework by researching (among other things), Our GREAT Jamaican Music Heritage.
He was an accomplished musician who played & wrote music.
We were once working with one of Jamaica's greatest singer/song writers, the legendary, Bob Andy (r.i.e.p.) & Harry happily charted ALL of the Horn Parts for Bob's songs....
Such was his joy & pleasure for music that he gave the Music Charts to Bob's manager, FREE OF CHARGE!!
On August 7th, I called him with no answer & then messaged him & thankfully, he replied.
Man.....time flies.....I'm so sorry that we never actually spoke..
I NEVER imagined, that THAT, would be our last communication!!
From that I take a lesson, which is, We MUST tell the Ones whom We love, that WE LOVE THEM!!...I texted but could've voicenoted telling him, that my thoughts & prayers are with him whilst there in the hospital & that We Love him!
I'm mildly consoled by the fact that we both knew we had mutual love & respect!!
I was always humbled by him calling me 'SIR', putting his hands together in 'prayer mode' & bowing his head!!
He was a truly Honourable, Great Servant of The Divine!
May Good Angels Continue to Guide His Spirit on the next stage of His Journey.
And May His loved-ones take some comfort knowing, that the LOVE he EVIDENTLY grew with at home, transcended outward, to ALL who knew him!!
NEVER FORGOTTEN, ALWAYS & FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS 💕
MOOR LOVE
From Clifton 'Bigga' Morrison 🙏🏿
Harry was not only a great musician but a great mentor to his students in the Kingsdale Big Band, and he taught as he played - unconditionally. He gave everyone a chance and was always full of love, charm and wit. The loss is devastating for us all. Rest in peace now dear Harry. Til we meet again. Tony
I also see that in a short number of years you have led a full life, more than most of us could hope to achieve. Rest well. My deepest condolences to your family.


I am utterly bereft at the sad news of Harry’s passing and know he is already deeply missed.
The epitome of excellence, consistency, intelligence and soulfulness he is such a huge loss to our musical community and completely irreplaceable. We’ve lost a shining light, a man of high standards, unmatched professionalism and loving friendship.
My family and I send our heartfelt condolences and love to his dear family, close friends and musical family.
May his example continue to inform all of us as his physical being transitions into the spirit eternal.
RIP our dear Harry Brown.

Apart from the music, choirs and working with people, in general, Harry loved his food, especially good Jamaican red peas soup and Jamaican rum cake. I will surely miss Harry but I'm reassured, that he is gone but not forever. Be encouraged Claudia, I know Harry has left a whole lots on memories for you and dad.
Love from Nins and family
His success was not only due to his playing, but a reference to his character as a congenial person to all. I’m going to miss your wit, humour, fellowship, laughter and sweet timbre of your voice and instrument.
The words of this song by Ysaye Barnwell has stayed with me since 2001.“Cain’t no one know at sunrise how this day is gonna end; Cain’t no one know at sunset if the next day will begin. We look for things to stay the same, but in the twinkling of an eye, everything can be changed”.
Rest in peace my dear Brother as I continually pray for you and your family.
I am still in shock and a hole has been left and I’m sure this is the case for many. He was ‘that guy’. Everyone got on with him and everyone spoke of him highly - it just seems unfair.
Gonna miss him loads. Praying for his family at this time for strength, understanding, comfort and peace

I have rarely come across someone as kind, thoughtful and genuinely good-hearted as Harry. He always radiated positivity, was ready to lend a helping hand and never hesitated to encourage anyone who needed it.
I often accompanied his students, so we also crossed paths many times professionally. I always admired the warmth and genuine care he showed towards his students. He truly cared about them as individuals and always treated them with kindness and understanding.
His passing is a tremendous loss to all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
RIP Harry. You will be greatly missed. But those invisible threads you managed to weave between people will never disappear. You will always remain in our hearts, as the truly exceptional people deserve to.
Although I rarely saw him as we worked different days , every time we met up, usually at school concerts , he greeted me like a long lost friend. He really had that gift of making everyone he interacted with feel special, loved and appreciated
RIP Harry , I can sincerely say you were one of the nicest blokes I’ve ever met and we will all miss you enormously
Tony Tonks
Kingsdale guitar tutor
My dear friend. This loss is huge. Praying for you.
I was always a little more nervous on stage when I knew you and Chrissie were in the audience, as much as I appreciated the years of support. Your Tallent your warmth and wisdom was always intimidating. I was miss you cuz, if only the impromptu chats as we passed each other on the road, they always left me smiling. My family and I are hurting, to soon, to young. I know God must have needed you more than us but I still need time to understand. Rest my Brother, rest in eternal peace.
But I’m also grateful. Grateful that our paths crossed. Grateful for every conversation, every piece of music, every invitation, every little moment that I probably didn’t realize I’d one day hold so close. You were family to me. And you’ll always be a part of my story.
I hope you knew how much I looked up to you. I hope you knew how much your presence meant to me. Rest well, my brother. Love always.
‘Lovely Harry’
He was kind and thoughtful and had time for everyone. When my mum was sick he would check in now and then unprompted to see how I was doing.
Coincidentally Harry played in my Grandads big band when he was a teenager and we’d love reminiscing about this together. He was a fantastic player but more importantly a fantastic person.
God bless Harry-
Love Sophie xxxx
May Harry Continue To R.E.I.P 🙏🏿

As so many have said already and many more will continue to say, you were by my side every day. Whether it was a quick check-in or a long, deep and meaningful thought process, or just sharing a funny moment, you were the one that was there for me at any point.
Sometimes turning up when I may have needed it most but not expecting it and that meant more than anything. Other times it was just a knowing phone call or message.
I will value every day that you were by my side.
There is now a huge Harry sized hole in my life that I am having to come to terms with and I am not quite sure how, but I know you will contonue to be my guardian angel from above.
You are now at peace with the God you trust and joining your family and friends who went before.
Thank you for your integrity and loyalty, your laughs and cheeky smiles, the beautiful music and so much love.
May God keep you shining and guiding us all Harry. I will never forget you.
Love for ever.
Lucy x





