Oscar Brown

ClassificationsPhotographs-gelatin silver prints

DateSeptember 1960

MediumGelatin silver print on ektalure paper

Dimensions20 × 16 in. (50.8 × 40.6 cm)

Object number87.6.5

DescriptionThis photograph of singer, songwriter, playwright, poet, civil rights activist, and actor Oscar Brown was taken by photographer Leigh A. Wiener in 1960 at his studio, and was later used in an advertisement for Columbia Records.

Wiener recalls the day the photo was taken:
"'You really want me to sing?' asked Oscar. 'Absolutely,' I answered. 'Well, if I'm going to sing, I really do need an audience,' said the talented Mr. Brown. 'Fine,' I replied, 'You shall have an audience.'

At this time, my studio was located on Santa Monica Boulevard across from Plumber Park. I asked my assistant, Roger Scott, to go out to the park and round up an audience.

Oscar thought I was kidding. I wasn't. When photographing people in the field of entertainment, I ask them to go through some of their routines. This diverts their concentration from me and my camera, enables them to relax, and gives my photographs the look of being alive.

Scotty returned from the park. With him was an 'audience' of seven - ranging in age from pregnant 24 to a retired 79 years. Their excitement matched Oscar's surprise. Chairs were brought in and the show began.

As Oscar Brown sang, I clicked. For almost forty minutes. Now I was finished and Oscar was sweating. The 79-year-old guest made a request of Brown for his late wife's favorite song. Brown sang the song; then another request. Then another and another. Oscar Brown gave that audience of seven from Plumber Park their own private concert for another twenty minutes."

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