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Chris Brown first
got into Afro American music whilst living in Southport during the
mid 60's.
His interest in Soul, R&B and Jazz soon developed into a passion
that took him regularly to clubs like the now legendary 'Twisted
Wheel' in Manchester.
When Chris' family moved back to Surrey in 1967 there weren't many
clubs playing music of the style and caliber that Chris had become
accustom to and so he began DJ'ing to fill the void for himself
and a few like minded friends.
After 2 or 3 years working small clubs and running a mobile disco,
sponsored by an electronics company, Chris spent a season working
in a club in Spain, to gain more experience.
On his return in 1973, Chris was offered a residency at 'Pantiles'
in Bagshot, Surrey where he soon established himself as a fully
fledged DJ specializing in American Soul music. He built on his
notoriety at other residencies that included 'Frenchies' in Camberley,
'Jacksons' in Staines and 'The Belvedere' in Ascot and was soon
doing guest spots all over the country.
In 1976 he was invited to DJ at the biggest Soul Alldayers in the
South of England which at that time were held at the 'Top Rank Suite'
in Reading. The success of these events was further enhanced in
1977 when Chris suggested the addition of DJ Chris
Hill (then resident at the 'Lacy
Lady' in Seven Kings, Essex). In 1978 Greg Edwards (presenter of
'Soul Spectrum' on Capital Radio at the time) and Robbie Vincent
(who was BBC Radio London's main man) were added to the line up.
the overwhelming attendance that ensued necessitated the move to
a larger venue and 'Tiffany's' in Purley proved to be ideal.
The amazing success of the Purley Alldayers and the similar events
staged around the country gave Robbie Vincent the idea to take the
concept to the next logical phase and in 1979 the Soul Weekender
was born at Caister near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.
Around this time Chris Brown was a regular guest on BBC Radio London's
'Robbie Vincent's Saturday Soul Show', standing in for Robbie on
occasions to co host the show with Graham 'Fatman' Canter (then
resident at 'Gullivers'
in Mayfair, London). Chris has since presented and been interviewed
on many radio shows on numerous stations.
He has also appeared on TV programs that have documented this music.
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