Kirkwood Park in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Clifford Brown
1930 - 1956
Clifford Brown, also known as "Brownie," was a highly influential and respected jazz trumpeter.
A native of Wilmington, Brown began learning trumpet at the age of 13. He went on to tour throughout the United States and Europe, making brief appearances with such jazz greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Navarro, and Charlie Parker.
Brown's phenomenal playing, as well as his straight and narrow lifestyle, earned him respect in the jazz world at a very young age.
In 1954, Brown won the Down Beat magazine critics' poll for the "New Star of the Year" and was inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame in 1972.
Brown was just 25 years old when he died in a car accident on the rainy Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Each year since 1989, jazz lovers have gathered for a festival in downtown Wilmington to celebrate the life and music of Clifford Brown.
Erected 2012 by Honorable James M. Baker, Mayor; Artist: Jon Hair.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1954.
Location. 39° 44.611′ N, 75° 32.338′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Kirkwood Park. Marker is at the intersection
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. G.T. and Clara Gilbert (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Wilmington (within shouting distance of this marker); Hattie M. Phelan (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hattie M. Phelan Community Dream Garden (approx. 0.2 miles away); Howard High School (approx. ¼ mile away); Louis Lorenzo Redding, Esq. (approx. ¼ mile away); Knotty Pine Restaurant (approx. 0.3 miles away); Scott AME Zion Church (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 10, 2023
3. Nearby plaque with dedication information
Credits. This page was last revised on March 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 168 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 10, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
