Oscar Brown, Jr. sang with a true voice

Oscar Brown, Jr.,(1926-1995), was a political activist, musician, and writer who spoke directly and openly of the black experience in America in the 1960's.

His 1960 debut recording, "Sin & Soul" is a masterwork in which he contributed lyrics to Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man", Mongo Santamaria's heartbreakingly lovely "Afro-Blue", and Nat Adderley's "Work Song" performed by many.

He also wrote a song titled "The Snake" which was a minor hit for singer Al Wilson. Coincidentally, or not, given his penchant for projection, Donald Trump, frequently recited the lyrics to The Snake with the closing refrain at his rallies, "You knew I was a snake before you let me in".

Brown's daughters objected to the use of their father's song by the Trump campaign and asked him to stop using it. Trump refused. That's one more reason why he is The Snake.

Following the 1960 release of Sin and Soul, Brown remained active in the struggle for equal rights even as his recording career went into eclipse when Columbia records withdrew their promotional support for his records - no doubt due to the controversial content of his songs.

Below are examples of why Oscar Brown, Jr., still matters, beginning with his recreation of a slave market in, "Bid 'Em In."

"Afro-Blue" was an instrumental composition by Mongo Santamaria best known for John Coltrane's rendition. The lyrics are from the heart of Oscar Brown, Jr.

Dat Dere was an instrumental composed by pianist Bobby Timmons. Oscar Brown's lyrics speak to the minds and hearts of wondering children the world over.

"The Work Song" was inspired by those who had a deep concern for time.