What a voice! Walter’s take on the track originally recorded by US singer, Arthur Connely in 1968.
Born in then called Goodwood Acres, in the Cape, South Africa, Walters started singing as a youngster with the Goodwood Minstrels and the Goodwood Starlights. It was here where he was discovered by a singing coach at 16 years old.
Due to the Group Areas Act under the Apartheid regime, his family was moved to Bishop Lavis and Matroosfonetin, Elsies River, eventually settling in Matroosfonetin where his singing career really took off.
Walter formed his first band the Cyclones, becoming lead singer. The band played the likes of the Woodstock Hall and in District Six. They soon realised they needed musical instruments. Apart from his vocal abilities, Walter mastered both the bass and guitar. He then took on the role of lead guitarist with The Cyclones.
He met a Robbie Jansen becoming close friends. Building a strong relationship over the years, it was not long before, Robbie was performing on stage with the band at the launch of the Battle of the Bands. The Cyclones winning the competition.
In 1967 Walter formed the legendary The Rockets, with Robbie Jansen. The band was originally named the Bismarks, renamed The Rockets by Walter. Walter recorded two singles with the Rockets, i.e., “Beside You” and “I Know” (Rave, R300, 1967).
In 1969 he also toured nationally with the Golden City Dixies.
In the early 70’s Walter went solo and went on to release several singles and an outstanding album, “The Walter Brown Show” in 1977. He toured nationally with the likes of Lionel Petersen, Richard Jon Smith, Jonathan Butler, Ronnie Joyce, Neville Nash, Harari, The Rockets, Miracles et al.
He appeared at the famous Cape Woodstock festival, also touring overseas in London, Switzerland, Greece, Spain, and Israel.
In 1980 alongside Taliep Petersen they launched Carnival A La District Six at the Royal Swazi Spa in Swaziland.
In the early 80’s Walter changed course to focus his career as a gospel singer, releasing several gospel tracks. In 1983 releasing a full-length gospel album, “Gospel In Africa”, composed by Walter and The Rocket Molly Baron. He embarked on a gospel tour with fellow gospel singers Jonathan Butler and Lionel Petersen, with The Rockets as the backing band.
In 1983 he visited Israel and was baptised in the river Jordan. On his return from the holy land he launched his first Gospel festival in the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town.
Walter also appeared in several cities in the USA, sharing his gospel vocal talent there.
Walter sadly passed away in 2015.
Walter Brown - “Burning Fire”
Flip Side: “The Night Started To Cry”
Released on the Butterfly label, BT 214, 1974.
Produced by Allan McInnes
Engineered by Peter Thwaites
Publisher: Laetrec
Thanks to Rashied “Shiedie” Mohammed for his assistance in sourcing additional information and picture of Walter.
1 дек 2023
