Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown
(April 18, 1924 - September 10, 2005)
Well known for his expertise on the guitar and his multi-genre music, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown had a recording career that spanned more than 50 years. Born in Vinton, Louisiana, he and his family moved to Orange when he was an infant. Here, Brown was shaped by a mix of Texan and Cajun cultures. He learned from his musician father and became well known for his guitar and fiddle playing, as well as his deep singing voice; he also played the drums, violin, mandolin and harmonica. Brown's music reflected African-American folk traditions of the Southwest.
After returning from World War II, Brown settled in Houston as a professional musician. He recorded with Peacock Records, where he had his first hit, "Mary is Fine." In the 1960s, Brown's career slumped and he changed genres, recording country music. By the 1970s, Brown had gained a larger fanbase, touring in Europe, Africa and the U.S.S.R., and appearing on the popular programs, Hee Haw, and Austin City Limits. He also began a series of recordings in Bogalousa, Louisiana that displayed his ability to play music in a variety of genres, including Blues, Western Swing, Rhythm and Blues, Country and Cajun. In 1982, he won the Grammy Award for best traditional recording with a Bogalousa recording, "Alright Again." He received other honors for his work, including eight W.C.
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In 2005, Brown evacuated to Orange from Slidell, Louisiana due to Hurricane Katrina. He died here two weeks later and was interred in Hollywood Cemetery. Today, Gatemouth Brown's work endures through his recordings and significant influence on generations of guitarists and other musicians.
Erected 2009 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15975.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Grammy Award Winners series list.
Location. 30° 6.191′ N, 93° 43.667′ W. Marker is in Orange, Texas, in Orange County. Marker is on Simmons Road (Business U.S. 90) near West Turrett Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Orange TX 77630, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hollywood Community Cemetery (here, next to this marker); Emma Henderson Wallace (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Black Education in Orange County (approx. 0.2 miles away); Salem United Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Black Education in Orange County
More about this marker. Located in the Hollywood Community Cemetery.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 410 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 14, 2018.
