Sax man Ron Brown is one of Austin's greatest musical successes. It is for good reason that Austin has a "Ron Brown Day." He's enjoyed a long career as a studio saxman of all styles for some of the greatest musicians and artists in the world. That includes Natalie Cole, Al Jarreau, Anita Baker, the late great Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, Joe Sample, David Benoit, Soul II Soul and Stevie Wonder. Here's your web surfer's quiz question: which well known saxaphone player is Ron Brown with in the photo on the main jazz page?

Urban Jazz Network featuring Ron Brown: Urban Dreams was recently released on Ron's own label, Mankind Records. Urban Dreams was produced by Ron and features a variety of styles and performers, including Jonathan Butler and Kirk Whalum. Brown co-wrote nine of the album's songs and played soprano, alto and tenor saxophone throughout.

On his debut album, From My Eyes Only, Brown is surrounded by such luminary guest artists as Bobby Lyle, Marcus Miller, Patrice Rushen and Doc Powell.

Ron is also the founder of the Urban Dreams Foundation, whose goal is to inspire and motivate young urban people to reach their potential by teaching success principles through the arts. He is bringing the Urban Dreams Foundation to Austin. His new record label, Mankind Records, has its office in Austin.

During breaks in his highly successful musical career, Brown has built a lucrative side career as a model and commercial actor. He's been in ads, on billboards, and even in a soap opera?playing a saxaphonist!

Be sure to visit his excellent Web site for more information and sound samples. Get music from Amazon or CDBaby.