From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nacio Herb Brown (February 22, 1896 - September 28, 1964) was an American writer of popular songs, movie scores, and Broadway theatre music in the 1920s through the early 1950s.

Brown was born as Ignacio Herb Brown in Deming, New Mexico. In 1901 his family moved to Los Angeles. He attended Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, California. His music education started with instruction from his mother, Cora Alice (Hopkins) Brown.

Brown first operated a tailoring business (1916), and then became a financially successful realtor, but he always wrote and played. After his first hit Coral Sea (1920) and first big hit, When Buddha Smiles (1921), he eventually become a full-time composer. He joined ASCAP in 1927.

In 1928 he was hired to work in Hollywood by MGM and write movie music for the new medium of sound film. For his film work, he often collaborated with lyricist Arthur Freed. This collaboration produced Singin' in the Rain.

Brown also worked with Richard A. Whiting and Buddy De Sylva on Broadway Musicals such as Take a Chance.

He appeared in the film The Hollywood Revue of 1929.

Brown was married five times, each ending in divorce. His first was Ruby Porter with whom he had one child, followed by a marriage to Jeanne Lochart. Then, in the 1930s he was briefly married to actress Anita Page.

She was followed by another brief marriage this time with Beffie Kellogg. Finally Brown married Georgeann Morris with whom he had two children.

Along with L. Wolfe Gilbert, Nacio wrote the music for the popular children's Television Western, Hopalong Cassidy which first aired in 1949 on NBC.

Nacio Herb Brown died in San Francisco, California, aged 68.

Brown was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970.

• All I Do Is Dream of You
• American Bolero
• Broadway Melody
• Broadway Rhythm
• Doll Dance
• Eadie Was a Lady
• I've Got a Feelin’ You’re Foolin'
• Love Is Where You Find It
• A New Moon Is Over My Shoulder
• Make 'em Laugh
• Our Big Love Scene
• Pagan Love Song
• Singin' in the Rain
• Sweetheart Darlin'
• Temptation
• Wedding of the Painted Doll
• When Buddha Smiles (1921)
• You Are My Lucky Star
• You Stepped Out of a Dream

• SHoF page on Nacio Herb Brown
• More complete list of songs on SHoF site