Smooth soul singer Randy Brown dies at 72
He was not on the list.
2025 just isn’t letting up in the bad news it is giving to soul music fans. We are sad to report the passing of popular 70s and 80s singer Randy Brown, at age 72. For those who love their soul smooth, sensual, and steeped in Southern tradition, Randy Brown was a name worth knowing.
Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Brown was surrounded by the city’s deep musical roots. He got his start as a member of The Newcomers, a promising vocal group signed to Stax Records, but it was as a solo artist that he truly found his voice.
Brown made his solo debut in 1978 with Welcome to My Room, an album that quickly became a favorite among quiet storm enthusiasts. Led by the slow-burning hits “I’m Always in the Mood” and the cool midtempo “I Wanna Make Love To You,” the record was filled with the kind of sultry, late-night grooves that made Brown a standout among his peers.
Throughout the early ’80s, Brown continued to deliver quality soul with albums like Midnight Desire and Check It Out, and scored his highest charting hit in 1980 with the Southern Soul-influenced “We Ought to Be Doin it.” His distinctive tenor voice continued to grace albums until the middle of the decade.
Brown continued to thrill audiences long after his recording days were over. He toured the world in multi-artist shows, and had a particularly strong following in Europe, where he performed recently.
While he never achieved mainstream superstardom, Brown’s music found a dedicated audience, particularly among fans of deep Southern soul and classic slow jams. His rich, expressive tenor and heartfelt delivery ensured that his songs remained in rotation among true R&B lovers. And his sad passing today reminds us of that nice run of soulful, groove-filled music he gave us for a half decade. Rest in peace, Randy.
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