The Brown Boyz began as the Brown Boys Gospel Singers, a group formed during the early '80s in their native Freeport, a village on the South Shore of Long Island, New York. The group -- including siblings Curtis, Dennis, and Willie Brown, along with cousin Joe Williams -- changed their name during the late '90s to reflect their contemporary sound, though they continued to draw from traditional gospel, soul, and funk. They've issued albums such as Jump for Joy (2005), Harvest Time (2009), and Evolution (2012). Even though they released their work on independent labels -- most frequently on Black Smoke -- the group has hit Billboard's gospel albums and singles charts. Among their most popular songs are "It's Alright" and "Better Dayz." ~ Andy Kellman