Hall of Fame
Papa Joe Brown
Background:
Joseph William Brown is truly the patriarch of Canadian country music. His career spanned over five decades, starting with the Hillbilly Jewels, a group he formed when only in his teens with sister Vivian. The Hillbilly Jewels most successful period came in 1952, when they toured across Canada with the Wilf Carter Show.After the demise of the Hillbilly Jewels, Papa Joe Brown moved to Ottawa, where in the mid-1950's he became a founding member of The Happy Wanderers, a mainstay on the Ottawa Valley scene for the next decade. The group evolved into Family Brown, with Papa Joe Brown introducing his children Barry, Lawanda and Tracey into the act, and went on to become Canadian country music's most awarded group.
Affectionately known as Papa Joe, because of his talent, humour and affection, he will always be remembered for his unique recitations. Papa Joe Brown passed away May 30, 1986, after coming off stage from a Family Brown performance in Chelsey, Ontario.
