Teddy Brown

Teddy Brown was born in New York City and went on to the variety stage when he was only nine years old. From 1917 to 1919 he was a drummer and xylophonist with Earl Fuller's Rector Novelty Orchestra and recorded and performed on Broadway. In 1924 he became a member of Joseph C. Smith's band at New York's Hotel Plaza and in 1925 they toured England.

From 1926 to 1927 Teddy led a band at the Cafe de Paris in London and made several records on the Imperial and Vocalion labels. He began to make solo xylophone records, some accompanied by a band. In 1929 he led a band at Ciro's Club and made several records with Percival Mackey's Band and Harry Bidgood's Band. He was very popular as a solo artist in the 1930s and extensively toured the country and made many radio appearances.

Teddy's real name was Abraham Himmelbrand and he lived at Xylophone House, Sea Road, Littlehampton, Sussex. Teddy weighed 24 stones. His last performance was at the Wolverhampton Hippodrome on Monday 29th April, 1946. After the performance he returned to his hotel in Birmingham where he was staying with his wife. He complained of feeling unwell and that he had a bit of a twitch in his heart. He died shortly after 5 o'clock the following morning.

He was an exceptional xylophonist because he played a six octave instrument, which covered two more octaves than a standard instrument.