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Brown Mark

It's Been A While

About Me

Mark Brown (BrownMark) spent most of his life in Minneapolis, Minnesota where, in the 80's, the Minneapolis music scene took America by storm with its unique blend of Rock and R&B. BrownMark grew up with musicians such as Prince, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Morris Day and Alexander O'Neil who laid the foundation for his advancements in his production skills and musical theory.In 1981, BrownMark made his debut with Prince on the "Controversy" tour. For seven and a half years, he honed skills as a bassist for Prince and the Revolution and soon became known for his funky bass playing. Prince quoted in a Rolling Stone article that "without BrownMark on bass," he would "take bass out of the music." In 1988, BrownMark landed a recording contract with Motown. This career move was fueled by a track record of proven successes with the rock group, Mazarati (one of BrownMark's creations), Chico DeBarge, Troop, Georgio, Stacy Latisaw, Teen Dream, Sheila E., and LakeSide, to name a few. BrownMark debuted his solo album "Just Like That" on Motown in the late 80's with the single "Next Time." His second CD release on Motown was titled "Bang Bang." Collaborating with his former boss, Prince, BrownMark attempted to reintroduce himself as the funky bassist he was known to be.To add to the list of his accomplishments, BrownMark received two Grammy Awards and two American Music Awards for his contributions to the "Purple Rain" movie soundtrack. He also had the privilege of performing with the talented Stevie Wonder and Stevie Ray Vaughn, along with Salt 'n' Pepa and Jodie Watley in an MTV special. He again had the honor of performing with Stevie Wonder at his "Character Party." BrownMark has also shared the stage with Sting, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Q-Tip, and Doug E. Fresh.
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My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 4/17/2006
Band Website: trueprincestories.com
Band Members:

Cryptic AVAILABLE ONLINE!

Type of Label: None

My Blog

A Tragedy That Could Have Been Avoided?

Pro Athletes, Need Better Protection As we have all learned, Sean Taylor, starter for the Washington Redskins, died Tuesday after he was shot in what at first glance appears to be a home invasion. R...
Posted by Brown Mark on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 12:21:00 PST

I Support Hucky

Check out his site to see what's going onwww.trueprincestories.com
Posted by Brown Mark on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 04:53:00 PST

Princes Madhouse jazz-fusion project

I met Prince when I lived in Denver. I was only 16, and he was at a record signing. Two years later, we met again and I was wearing a polka-dot outfit that he really liked  that's why all the outfits...
Posted by Brown Mark on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 08:16:00 PST

"BIG CHICK" BIGGER THAN LIFE"

One of the funniest things I can recall is when Big Chick decided to design uniforms for all of the bodyguards in the entourage. I still cringe when I think about it. He designed suits that were doubl...
Posted by Brown Mark on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 07:35:00 PST

"The New 'N' word: Negative No Matter HOW It's Spelled"

By: Harlan (Hucky) Austin There's an old adage that states "What you say, or allow to be said about you, is what you will become." In November 1988 Prince did one show in Seattle on the Lovesexy tour....
Posted by Brown Mark on Thu, 14 Dec 2006 11:09:00 PST

Under the Cherry Moon  The Work OUT

TALES FROM THE ROAD By: Harlan (Hucky) Austin My buddy Mike Oakvik and I were working for Prince during the "Under The Cherry Moon" nation-wide publicity tour and film premiere. When you are employed ...
Posted by Brown Mark on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 08:19:00 PST

Mazarati RIP

By: Harlan (Hucky) AustinAh, the glory days. I reminisce sometimes. I do. I was in my 20's when Funk-Rock was in its infancy. Funkadelic started it all--a heavy guitar sound laid down on a funk founda...
Posted by Brown Mark on Wed, 08 Nov 2006 11:22:00 PST

The end for the Revolution

By: Harlan (Hucky) Austin Nobody in Prince's entourage knew it was going to be the Revolution's last concert. We were all so tired and ready to go home. Read more www.trueprincestories.com ...
Posted by Brown Mark on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 09:14:00 PST

Purple Rain Tour

By: Harlan (Hucky) Austin The Purple Rain Tour was one of the most successful tours to that point. Lasting 90 scheduled concerts, in 15,000-20,000 capacity arena's, in 32 cities, being seen by 1.75 mi...
Posted by Brown Mark on Thu, 26 Oct 2006 10:36:00 PST