Norman Brownlee and his Orchestra played in New Orleans from 1920 to 1930. The band is remembered primarily for New Orleans trumpet legend Emmett Hardy's short stay in the band. Hardy is said to have been an early influence on Bix Beiderbecke. When Brownlee's Orchestra recorded for Okeh in January of 1925, Hardy was too sick to join the session. Hardy died in June of 1925 of tuberculosis.

Thanks to Owen Miller for his help with this page.

Title Recording Date Recording Location Company
Dirty Rag
(Sharkey Bonano / Harry Shields / Norman Brownlee)		 1-23-1925 New Orleans, Louisiana Okeh
40337-B
Peculiar
(Sharkey Bonano / Harry Shields / Norman Brownlee)		 1-23-1925 New Orleans, Louisiana Okeh
40337-A
Artist Instrument
George Barth Cornet, Trumpet, Trombone
Sharkey Bonano Trumpet
Lester Bouchon Clarinet, Saxophone
Tom Brown Trombone
Norman Brownlee Piano, Saxophone, Leader
Frank Christian Tuba
Alonzo Crombie Trombone, Drums
Bill Eastwood Banjo
Behrman French Banjo
Freddie Loyacano Banjo
Paul Peque Saxophone
Harry Shields Clarinet, Saxophone
Johnny Wiggs Trumpet