When not in New York, Mr. Mort Browne resided in Hollywood, Florida, and no matter where the next gig was, or an event of the Blues Society, he was there to support the functions and friends. That's what real dedication is all about.

Mort started his career at 15, in New York, with a prominent music publisher and, within a year, was promoting their publications. When the president of the company died, he took over her company and ran it until he formed his own publishing company and called it POPULAR MUSIC CO. He was only 18 at the time, and the company is still flourishing, today! Mort started in a one-room office in New York, bought an old piano, some sheet music and taught himself how to play and write music.

His first publications were his original ballads and those of fellow musicians. But stiff competition soon made Mort realize he would have to take a different route. So, he decided to publish the music of African Americans that was known as "race music", which the larger companies were reluctant to publish. He was a frequent visitor to the many "house rent" parties in Harlem and there listened to R&B, Blues and Jazz numbers which were written by black artists. Mr. Browne published these numbers on lead sheets, then brought them to the attention of white orchestra leaders.

Mort recalls meeting Glen Miller, who wasn't doing too well at the time. He introduced Miller to a number called "IN THE MOOD" written by Joe Garland. Miller recorded it  and made it a big hit. 

Other tunes that Mort's company represented were "TUXEDO JUNCTION" by Erskine Hawkins, "JERSEY BOUNCE" by Bobby Plater, "TOPSY" by Eddie Durham and Edgar Battle and recorded by many musicians including Cozy Cole, "DOGGIN' AROUND" by Edgar Battle and Hersphel Evans, and the great jazz tune, "AFTER HOURS" by Avery Parrish. Mort introduced these and other tunes to big name bandleaders like Benny Goodman and Count Basie, (more on Basie).

Morton Browne has been responsible for many musicians being recorded and he was always open to reviewing new material for possible publication. From all of us, a very heartfelt "Thank you Mr. Morton Browne!"