Oscar Brown Jr., 78, an actor, director, playwright, songwriter, lyricist, black activist and television host, died May 29 at St. Joseph Hospital, in his home town of Chicago. He had complications ...

Growing up in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, Oscar Brown Jr. was taught the importance of giving back to the community, that sharing your talents is the best way to uplift others.

Through most of his life, the great Oscar Brown Jr. has stayed in perpetual motion, which may be why jazz devotees in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and other music capitals sometimes forget the ...

Oscar Cicero Brown, Jr. made his earthly debut on October 10, 1926 at Chicago ’s Provident Hospital as the firstborn child of school teacher, Helen Lawrence and Oscar C. Brown, Sr., a prominent lawyer ...