BILLY OSBORNE — FOMERLY OF L.T.D. (NEW MUSIC IN 2024)
Billy Osborne, formerly of L.T.D., worked with the genius Ray Charles for 15 years, producing the last of Ray’s fine works. Going forward, Billy and producer Terry Lewis are contemplating a unique musical production for 2024.
BILLY OSBORNE AND RAY CHARLES IN THE RECORDING STUDIO (youtube.com).
We’re pleased to announce Billy Osborne’s induction into the 2017 Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame, and new music is scheduled for release in 2024. BILLY OSBORNE – Induction into the RI Music Hall of Fame. (youtube.com)
DOMESTIC AND GLOBAL PUBLIC RELATIONS — MEDIA OUTREACH.
Our primary objective at Phil Brown Public Relations is to quench the public’s thirst for a memorable experience in entertainment, sports, business, and seminars/lectures. Our relationships extend to all reaches of music, from popular and R&B to rock and country, to mention a few. It is our pleasure to increase the exposure of each performer, band, or athlete in our support system. The achievement of our goals is predicated on the implementation of customized public relations devices that facilitate the purchase of our client’s goods and services, be it concert tickets, new recordings, or a publication. The record speaks for itself: Phil Brown Public Relations is a proven force in successful national and international publicity. Increased public recognition of each entity we represent is apparent from the present pool of satisfied clients. Our continuing success speaks louder than words. We are pleased to partner with capable musicians, athletes, and organizational representatives in promoting effective media outreach.
BILLY OSBORNE — International recording artist Billy Osborne’s heartrending vocals, poetic lyrics, and prolific musicianship are a faint reflection of the remarkable gifts that characterize the Providence, Rhode Island, native son. Billy spent the early part of his illustrious career enchanting music lovers as key percussionist for some of the greatest jazz musicians of our time, including legendary guitarist Wes Montgomery and virtuoso saxophonist Archie Schepp. As a 16-year-old drummer, Billy used his God-given talent to enrich the lives of aficionados the world over, traveling with some of the greatest musicians to ever circle the earth. Not only did he perform to to sold-out throngs in exotic locations, but inn1959, he was honored by Metronome magazine as the “best new drummer of the year,” although still in his teens. Coming from a strong jazz pedigree, Billy was naturally hooked on artform and is a perpetual student of its intricacies. To this day his musical IQ continues to increase, revealing new pathways of expression. But Billy’s creative acumen is not confined to composing or singing lucid jazz riffs. And as a producer, Billy’s unyielding passion for scores and arrangements launched him into the company of great music theorists, from whom he acquired a wealth of indispensable wisdom. He, naturally, expanded his horizons beyond jazz, which led to impacting other music forms, including R&B, funk, and pop — the blues and jazz progeny. With the changing winds of traditional jazz and the intoxicating lure of contemporary, smooth jazz and 70s R&B, Billy stayed true to his roots but expanded his commercial range when he assumed the role as musical director for the Los Angeles group, The Friends of Distinction. Harry Elston, lead singer for the group said that “Billy was serious about things and was a bandleader who took care of business.” That experience helped prepare Billy for his lead role in one of the most innovative groups of all time, L.T.D. As a member of this platinum-selling troupe, he was one of their two music directors and played keyboards on the memorable A&M Record classics “Back In Love Again,” “Holding On,” “Concentrate On You,” and “Love Ballad.” These chart-toppers and a plethora of other sensational tunes by the group were captured in riveting live performances, including frequent appearances on Soul Train, American Bandstand and other nationally televised entertainment programs. Interestingly, in a 2013 interview, Billy’s younger brother and lead singer of L.T.D., Jeffrey Osborne, described his older brother as “the main musical influence in his career,” giving him his first gig at age 13, which paid Jeffrey a whopping $10! Jeffrey said “I learned so much from just listening and watching Billy.” It was Billy who negotiated the group’s first deal with A&M Records and other important business matters involving the group’s future. After leaving L.T.D. in 1980, Billy’s musical consciousness continued to spiral upward, as he went on to produce other successful groups at that time: The Emotions, Confunkshun, Vesta Williams and one of the greatest entertainers to ever dawn the spotlight, the legendary Ray Charles. Under contract with Charles for fourteen years, Billy wrote many songs and produced the album Thanks for Bringing Love Around Again for Ray. He also wrote “Check It Out,” a hit for R&B group Tavares. That tune, however, was first recorded by The Friends of Distinction and produced by the inimitable Jerry Peters, who also played piano on the song, and he was co-writer of the hit “Going In Circles.” Jerry had this to say about Billy’s musical prowess: “Billy is not only charismatic, but he is also versatile in his talents. He would be dynamic in whatever direction he chose to go.” In a serious conversation with a well-known music marketing director, Billy said that there are some things he loves more than music, and that his “music can be transcended by his love of God, family, and my friends.” He is, therefore, in the process of writing music for an epic theatrical production. This musical is co-produced by one of the greatest producers in music history, the inimitable Terry Lewis. In 2017, Billy was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame as appreciation for his accomplishments are admittedly recognized. Billy Osborne’s mark on music history and the rich legacy that he established is one that has stood the test of time and is one that will flourish for as long as there is a song to sing!
Phil Brown
Thanks For Bringing Love Around Again The last album released in Ray Charles’ lifetime was a 2002 collection Thanks For Bringing Love Around Again, written almost entirely by Ray’s latter-day collaborator Billy Osborne. It was released on CD, making it and 1996’s Strong Love Affair) the only two non-vinyl releases —
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From the bustling streets of San Francisco to the towering peaks of Manhattan’s Lower Eastside and from the rolling hills of Texas to the frozen lakes of Minnesota, Phil Brown’s unmistakable trail of media accomplishments is documented. His zest for writing, entertainment marketing, and international public relations is the byproduct of early exposure to the performing arts and business. His recognition of the need for preserving good commentary, wholesome competition, and positive representation in the sprawling digital communication spectrum is well-known.
Since effective marketing and public relations/media outreach are crucial to the longevity of a business or an individual’s career, Brown’s priority is the public image and the ultimate commercial success of each client brand he chooses to represent, whether corporate, entertainment, athletic, or governmental.
Before developing an international presence, Brown worked in regional markets as a journalist (Dallas/Ft. Worth), reviewing concerts, books, movies, lectures, and conducting one-on-one interviews with the world’s best-known performers and authors. This experience proved invaluable to the kind of presentation that has made Brown’s ventures a success.
After graduating from Mission High School in San Francisco, Brown invested the next four years in New York where he attended the WBTS Training and Education Center (now in Patterson, NJ). There, he was a featured speaker on special assignments on the East Coast, taught a free public speaking class to inner-city residents in two New York City boroughs, and participated in a variety of non-paying but rewarding community-based family activities.
After fulfilling his initial four-year commitment, Brown lectured on popular topics, current events, and experimented with small-business startup ventures. This further sharpened his rhetorical and business skills and prepared him for undertakings that involved extensive contract writing.
In 2003, Brown partnered with New York-based True Life Entertainment/Navarre (presently under Universal Music Group) as Director of Public Relations, and in 2006, he was instrumental in signing singer Ben E. King and composer Peter Cor (Getaway for Earth, Wind, and Fire) to music recording deals.
Among other clients who requested Brown’s services are Little Anthony (formerly of The Imperials) Rock & Roll Hall-of-Fame inductees Jerry Martini of Sly & The Family Stone, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Tito Jackson (Tito Time), and Jermaine Jackson. Other acts included The Lowrider Band (formerly of WAR), Jazz Crusaders, The Stone City Band, Original Lakeside, Charles Wright (Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band), and Kim Weston.
In 2007, Brown signed with Motor City Hits record label and Hits Talent Agency (Detroit-based organizations) to arrange concert tours and festivals and provide ongoing media relations. That same year, he coordinated Ben E. King’s television duet with Tony Orlando during the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. Mr. King also performed on The Late Show with David Letterman that year. In 2009, King made his final appearance on national television, performing with Sean Kingston on Good Morning America. Freda Payne also performed masterfully on the season’s top-rated American Idol television production (2009).
In 2010, PBPR broke Connecticut-based singer Arika Kane into the national television spotlight with her debut performance on The Monique Television Show. Arika’s song “Make It” is the theme song for VH1’s hit television reality show Hollywood Exes, produced by Jeff Dyson. Brown also served as media-relations specialist for On The Beam, a Dallas-based entertainment television show. In 2017, Brown provided PR to Russell Thompkins Jr. of The New Stylistics and singer/composer Trade Martin. In 2022, he agreed to a publicity deal with Little Anthony, formerly of The Imperials, with the release of his Anthology, a 40-track recording epic.
Brown believes that the collective arts are divine gifts and that we are all made better because of this blessing. His aim is to continue preserving great music, literature, and art.
SPEAKING REQUESTS —
For more than a decade, Phil Brown has shared with music students and thousands of enthusiasts on the complexities of the ever-changing entertainment and communication worlds. The pandemic has obviously impacted the quantity but not the quality of his operation, and it has necessitated remote or zoom methods in disseminating information. Students who desire a career in the competitive entertainment arena wonder about contracts, options, letters of intent, and performance rights organizations, how they are structured and what to look for in the fine print. Others aspire to the business side of the industry and are interested in careers behind the scene in journalism, marketing, radio promotions, media relations, artist management, concert promotions, and booking agents. In laymen’s terms: how product transitions from the recording studio and manufacturing to the local Best Buy, Target, or Internet retailer. All lectures include a syllabus outline and a question & answer segment.
Fees for public speaking requests to colleges and other institutions are assessed at the time of inquiry. Educational institutions may be given special consideration. Mr. Brown has written for entertainment magazines and major metropolitan dailies.
For speaking or interview requests for artists, contact the assignment desk:
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— In 2023, Phil C. Brown Public Relations embarks on a series of media approaches designed to assist businesses, schools, entertainers and sole proprietors in spreading the news about programs, products, and events. This includes large and small companies and institutions of higher education.
Phil C. Brown MEDIA RELATIONS · (817) 681-6068