CHICAGO (AP) - Singer, songwriter and playwright Oscar Brown died Sunday in Chicago after a brief illness, his family said. He was 78.
Brown is known for his compositions The Snake, Signifyin' Monkey and his lyrics for Miles Davis' All Blues. Early in his career, Brown shared the bill with jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane.
Brown, who was active in the civil rights movement in the 1960s, also ran and lost twice for political office - first for the Illinois legislature and later for a seat in the U.S. Congress, according to his website.
Brown was hospitalized in mid-April following emergency surgery to stop the spread of an infection in his lower spine. Before the surgery, he had complained of severe pain and suffered paralysis to both of his legs.
He had been released but was readmitted about two-a-half weeks ago and died at St. Joseph Hospital from complications of the illness, said his niece, Lauren Hudson.
"Although we will miss him deeply, he has left a wealth of works that will continue to touch the world," his daughter, Maggie Brown, said in a statement.
Along with his wife, Jean Pace Brown, he is survived by one son, four daughters and grandchildren.
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On the Net: http://www.oscarbrownjr.com
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