(May 2, 2024) As one-third of The Moments (later known as Ray, Goodman & Brown), Billy Brown’s velvet-lined tones of soul helped craft a definitive vocal blend that solidified eternal R&B classics of the 1970s including “Love on a Two Way Street,” “Look at Me (I’m In Love),” “Sexy Mama,” and “Special Lady.” Although the original line-up of The Moments had split in the late ‘60s, Brown served as lead vocalist on several of the group’s early hits (including their first top-10 single, “I Do”) prior to the addition of Harry Ray, with whom Brown would share leads on the group’s subsequent recordings.
(May 2, 2024) As one-third of The Moments (later known as Ray, Goodman & Brown), Billy Brown’s velvet-lined tones of soul helped craft a definitive vocal blend that solidified eternal R&B classics of the 1970s including “Love on a Two Way Street,” “Look at Me (I’m In Love),” “Sexy Mama,” and “Special Lady.” Although the original line-up of The Moments had split in the late ‘60s, Brown served as lead vocalist on several of the group’s early hits (including their first top-10 single, “I Do”) prior to the addition of Harry Ray, with whom Brown would share leads on the group’s subsequent recordings.
Five-and-a-half decades into his career, Brown is finally taking a moment to showcase his solo abilities via the ever-smooth-grooving new single, “You’re So Fine,” composed and produced by renowned arranger and session player Rahni Song. Making Brown’s buoyantly flowing phrasing and dynamics the centerpiece, Song surrounds him with a simply elegant vibe achieved through light percussive touches, dreamy keys, and atmospheric layers of background vocals.
It's a most welcome return for Brown, who has recently resumed touring with a new line-up of Ray, Goodman & Brown (both of his original ‘70s partners have passed on) following his share of health struggles over the past decade. Coming in at just under three minutes, the only shortcoming of “You’re So Fine” is its brevity.
Let’s hope that there’s more to come from Brown in the near future. In the meantime, set aside a few moments to lay back, chill, and savor the vibes of “You’re So Fine” that sweetly add to his musical legacy.
Billy Brown - "You're So Fine"