A decent trombonist who was never a major star but was considered quite valuable in sections of big bands and for occasional solos, Vernon Brown today is best remembered for being part of Benny Goodman's Orchestra during 1937-40. More than a decade earlier he had gained some important early experience playing with Frankie Trumbauer in St. Louis (1925-26). A journeyman but a reliable musician, Brown was with many bands during the next ten years, most notably Jean Goldkette in 1928, Benny Meroff and (after moving to New York) Mezz Mezzrow in 1937. He became fairly well-known during his Goodman years although he only had occasional solos. Brown also played with Artie Shaw (1940-41), Jan Savitt, the Muggsy Spanier Big Band (1941-42) and the Casa Loma Orchestra. During the mid-1940's, Brown frequently popped up on Dixielandoriented record dates. He was chiefly a studio musician from the mid-1940's on other than some time spent playing with Sidney Bechet, leading a band in Seattle in 1950 and making occasional reunion tours with Benny Goodman. Brown played with Tony Parenti a bit in 1963 and remained active as a studio player into the early 1970's when he retired. ~ Scott Yanow