Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1926, RAY BROWN’s formal musical training began at the age of eight with the study of piano. By the time Brown was in high school, he had already become an accomplished pianist. Thinking that the bass would be easier than the piano, Brown began playing it by ear and soon was playing professionally around town. After high school, Brown joined the Jimmy Hinsely Sextet and traveled with the group on the road for six months.