Biography

In an industry dominated by youth, she is the exception and nothing can hold her back. Call her “old-school” or whatever you wish, but she is classic with a style that is uniquely her own, and a repertoire that satisfies listeners regardless of age. Her audiences loves her so much, evident at the point of her introduction, that the mere mentioning of her name sends them into an immediate uproar of anticipation. Some people just want the fame, fortune and riches that comes with being a celebrity. But,Marilyn Ashford-Brown is a very classy, sophisticated and exciting Lady with a sensational sound. Not caught up in the rapture of the “bling” and glamour which comes with the business, she just simply wants to sing, and to be able to make a decent living doing the one thing she loves doing more than anything in the world. While she hasnt attained the level to success that she deserves, she continues to create her own mark in the music world. She wont discuss age, because she feels that age has absolutely nothing to do with how good music sounds. But the industry is and has always been an age-discriminating business, when in fact, the publics likes of music has never been determined by an artists age. Either they like it, or they dont. Truth be told, children between eight to 16 prefer old school music, to music of today. For years, she has struggled to be heard by the recording industry, which would allow this mesmerizing voice and talent to be both heard and seen all over the world. But, she has withstood the test of time. Many of her professional credits are on recording of Pieces of A Dream, the late, Lou Rawls. She has opened at for the late, Phyllis Hyman. There is an elemental aura to the voice and music, of this R&B Songwriter, Entertainer and Recording Artist. As a songwriter, one of her songs titled: Number One caught the ears of, Orpheus Record Executive, Charles Huggins who was seeking music for an artist. Marilyns publishing company, Ashfo Music entered into a joint publishing venture with Orpheus. Number One charted on Billboard at number 76.On stage, this Singer-Performer, Recording Artist, Songwriter is clearly in its her comfort zone. She has a smile that will light up any stage or room. When.Her speaking voice can be deceiving, because it has someone what of a little girl t she begins to singopens it to sing, wow! Its powerful enough to carry New Yorks Madison Square Garden. Both places, she someday hopes to perform. Her appearance at New Yorks world-famous Apollo Theater, where the audience gave her a standing ovation is just one testament to her music prowess.

This Washington, D.C. native was recently privileged by an invitation to perform for the Congressional Black Caucus 2008 Awards Dinner where Presidential Candidate, Barack Obama was the highest honoree and recipient of the “Phoenix Award”. She was accompanied by The Clarence Knight Orchestra and shared the stage with Grammy Award Winner, Pattie Labelle. Marilyn received notoriety along with Labelle spite the fact two other entertainers performed. Marilyn once read a quote from actor, Harrison Ford, which has stayed with her for many years. It stated: that its the people who get on the bus, and stay on it, which are successful, not the ones who get off. Marilyn has been on the bus for quite some time and she’s not about to get off. SomeUnfortunatelySS passengers who started this journey with her, got off early., Bbut, she stayed on. As a result, doors are beginning to open at all the right stops. Marilyn has truly withstood the test of time. She depends totally on God, prayer and being musically creative to sooth and sustain her soul. Marilyn believes that He has given her a mission to accomplish, and until recently, it had never been evident to her, exactly how her musical talents were to be used. But, HHhjhHer rendition of Earth, Wind and Fire’s 1976 hit titled: “Can’t Hide Love” featured on her first independently released CD titled: Marilyn Ashford Brown…Still Standing, was released in October 2007. Eight months later an invitation was extended to her to open two nights for Comedian, Steve Harvey. She performed on June 6th and 7th, 2008 at the famous, Kodak Theatre, home to the Oscars, Academy and Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California. In spite of minimal air play, her CD is proving to have a wide-range of marketable potential in both the U. S. and abroad in the United Kingdom, Tokyo, and Canada where online sales continue to increase. As Executive Producer, Ashford Brown independently funded the cost, co-produced and wrote ten of twelve tracks on this phenomenal CD.

Her perseverance and determination is clearly another indication of her artistic and professional prowess to succeed in the recording industry. In February, 2008 she auditioned and landed a singing spot in the popular Broadway play, Vagina Monologue starring, Star Jones formerly, of “The View”. Hopefully, it will generate a buzz in the recording industry, like never before. The age gap between herself and the younger artist of today, alone will generate quite a buzz. Though ones age should not be an issue, it most always is. Therefore, she plans to use it as a powerful marketing tool. Her music truly competes withat the sounds of today’s new music. She has incorporated Soul-R&B, Hip-Hop and a touch of Contemporary Jazz all together delivering a sound that is undeniably hers alone. There is something very profound in her music in that, it is very timely, yet there is absolutely, nothing out there like it. But more importantly, is the message which clearly addresses real issues in our inner cities and in the world. Inspired by the controversy pertaining to the frequent use of both the B and H words so often used as an expression in the music of some Rap rap Artists, she has taken her skills as a songwriter, in an attempt to put some humanity and dignity back in our music. She view this form of music as both disrespectful and damaging to both the spirits of young, and to all black women, women period. Of course the black woman in most cases, have been most affected by the frequent use of both the B word and H word. Her song titled: Respect Me has the potential to become the anthem for all women. I felt the responsibility to try and do something to save the minds of our youths in the world today. Their minds are being poisoned by music which clearly promotes violence, hate, sex, disrespect for women and ignorance, and I want to try and do something about it. But, I knew that it would have to be done in a language that they could clearly understand. She view the song as fate, because she began writing it three months prior to the Don Imus controversy, but developed writers block. However, after the controversy broke, the lyrics just began to flow, and it was completed within minutes. She believes this was a calling from God for her to finish it. As a result, she developed a strong desire to write more inspiring songs with a message. Another song featured on the CD, titled Maybe strongly addresses, crime and violence which is so prevalent in today’s society.

Regardless, both songs will be released, and will be a blessing to millions. Though it will be released independently, with the ability to market and promote music worldwide via, internet she has a few marketing schemes up her sleeve that will ensure that it goes global. With God as her promoter, she cant go wrong. Anything that God has a hand in, cant go any other way. She is no stranger to the music business. Chances are, if you live in, or have ever visited the Washington Metropolitan Area, and tuned your radio to Smooth Jazz 105..... then youve probably heard her name mentioned for an after work party hosted by the station. Formerly known as Marilyn Ashford, she added an extended last name when she married her late husband, Timothy Brown. He was the love of her life. The two were united in June 1994. In every sense of the word, this union shared the kind of love that many live a lifetime, never experiencing. Devastated by her loss, in 2003, Marilyns music career took a temporary set-back when she took time out to care for her mother, followed by the illness of her husband of 10 years. He was diagnosed with lung cancer, just two weeks short of her mothers death. Tim died in May, 2004. Both of these untimely deaths were very difficult for her to cope with. But, through all the pain, suffering and obstacles that Marilyn has faced, time has its way of healing, and this great talent is evidence of that. The creative Prowess and determination that she possess will be revealed when she releases her much anticipated CD, due in the fall of 2007. This CD is said to be so diverse in that, it will not only cater to the thirty-forty something generation hip, hop generation, but also to the as well. She sees the forty and up market as a market totally abandoned by the recording industry. Its as though they no longer exist, when in reality they do, and she plans gain this market. Ashford views the rebirth of concerts across the country, featuring groups of the seventies and eighties as proof that this is still a very viable market. The industry just isn t giving them what they want, but I will, she says. Marilyn refuses to allow record executives to dictate to her what is, or isnt marketable in this new music industry......Just play the music and let the public decide for themselves is her rationale. She stays true to herself by not conforming to what their idea of marketable may be. Marilyns very optimistic about a song that she has recorded, previously recorded by Earth, Wind & Fire during the mid 70's, titled: Cant Hide Love . According to critics, even the groups lead singer, Maurice White himself would be proud of her rendition of this very popular hit song of the 70's. By American Idol standards, even Simon Cowell would agree that the originality performed by this artist on this recording, is simply amazing. She has taken this song and made it her own.

It was following her very first appearance at Blues Alley a popular nightspot located in our Nations Capitol where she now performs twice annually that Singer, Entertainer, Tony Bennett (who was in the audience) asked her, then manager, Attorney, Barry LeNoire, if he could meet her. OfHe escorted Bennett to her dressing room where Bennett described her as a class act. Bennett encouraged her to keep reaching for the stars.

Marilyns strong church foundation has been her strength in the many challenges, faced during her climb to success. She has remained strong in her faith in God, believing that He has given her a gift truly intended to bless others. A native Washingtonian, Marilyn was raised in the District of Columbia where she attended school. Following graduation she attended the University of the District of Columbia, where she studied Business Administration. She discovered at ana very early age that she had a special gift. She grew up listening to the songs of Motown., enjoying the sounds of Diana Ross and the Supremes, Stevie Wonder and other roster favorites. Many years later, she would discover the sounds of Phyllis Hyman who’s career was cut short by her untimely death. Ashford Brown was deeply inspired by Hyman’s music. She was blessed with the opportunity to share the stage with Hyman and to work with famed Philadelphia’s International Records Producer, Dexter Wansel and Songwriter, Cynthia Biggs who wrote and produced for Hyman. They are also known for writing and producing Patti Labelle, The Jones Girls, Teddy Pendergrass and Lou Rawls. Having had the opportunity to work with Dexter, opened a door for she and the female trio, “Sass” which she was a member to record background vocals with Pieces of a Dream and the legendary, Lou Rawls who has since died.

From the time Marilyn began Elementary School through high school she participated in every school talent show there was, and formed a group called Natures Children while attending Junior High school. Shortly after graduating, while attending the University of the District of Columbia, she joined a group called Sass during the mid-eighties. The group became known throughout their hometown. They were often used on recording sessions by local producers to record background vocals. Known for their tight harmony, soon New York, producers got wind of the group and began soliciting them for projects. During the early 80s, Sass, received the chance of a lifetime offer to travel to Europe, where they toured, singing at various club venues in London, Scotland and Wells. Upon returning to the U. S., the group auditioned for a well known record promoter by the name of Maxx Kidd who immediately took them on and began managing the group. He introduced the group to Philadelphia International Record, Producer and Songwriter, Dexter Wansel and Cynthia Biggs known for writing and producing many of PIRs artists such as Phyllis Hyman, The Jones Girls, Teddy Pendergrass Lou Rawls and others alike. Sass. began doing a lot of professional background recordings under Dexters direction and were later featured on some of Lou Rawls and Pieces of a Dreams recordings. Dexter signed the group with a London label, Virgin 10 Records. Their first and only release on the label titled: I Didnt Mean It At All made the International Billboard Charts. Ashford Brown’s life and career has not been without challenges. One that abruptly placed her career on hold and almost bought it to an end was the loss of both her husband, Tim in 2004 whose death was preceded by her mother’s in 2003. As a result of her losses, understandably, Marilyn became depressed and withdrawn. But, she’s back and more determined than ever to live her dream, shes come totoo far to stop now. . She refuses to allow the age-discriminating recording industry to keep her from living her dream. In November 2006, she resumed recording the current, Still Standing, CD which she began prior to her husbands death. She has revised some of the music, by using new producers, and becoming more involved in the production aspects of her music. She says that only, she and God knows the melody and the music that she hears and feels when writing a song, and therefore, uses her voice as her instrument to dictate the sounds to her musicians and producers. Marilyn has an audience, and a large one at that. Geographically, CD sales are proven evidence that there is a market for her music. Her main objective is to continue writing, performing and promoting her music while focusing on finding an Agent. One that is insightful and powerful that will realize the magnitude of her talents as well as the potential of this CD, enough to take it to an even higher level. Currently, a trip to the U. K. is in the works for October 2008 to further promote and bring even more attention to her music. ,There is something for everyone to love on this CD… It , does not discriminate.

Though she welcomes every generation of music lovers to enjoy the CD, she hopes to capitalize on the market that the recording industry has abandoned. She says that, the thirty to forty-something age group is starving for some real music. She laughs when she hear the term, old school used by this new generation, because, its old school music that they continue to sample. Marilyn was flabbergasted by remarks comedian, and radio host, Steve Harvey made on the radio, one morning while driving in to work. He had a countdown of ten songs that no artist should ever attempt to remake. Earth, Wind & Fires Cant Hide Love was number nine. She had just finished recording it two weeks prior to his countdown. Both Harvey and Michael Baisden are two of her favorite radio personalities. She cant wait to challenge Harvey on this song, because she knows that hes going to love it. Her promotional staff plans to contact Harvey to hopefully see if he would be willing to be the first to play Cant Hide Love, and invite her to be a guest on his morning show when it debuts. What Marilyn loves most about Harvey, is the fact that, if he doesnt like something, he doesnt have a problem communicating it over the airwaves, or anywhere for that matter. So her recording of the song must be worth the risk, if shes willing to allow Harvey to critiques it on live radio. She further hopes to generate enough of a buzz to pursuede Music Mogul, Clive Davis, to offer her a major distribution deal. Over the past several years, Marilyn has developed a very unique relationship with Davis, in that, he personally listens and reviews her music. He also, personally corresponds with her. Davis encourages her to continue her passion. Having developed this relationship can only relish possibilities for the future. If he wants to see just how hungry and determined she is, then hes in for a real treat when She remains humble, optimistic and enthusiastic about her future. Marilyn has always had a large following and its about to get even bigger...... just wait and see.