"RED BROWN"

        Joe Barnes, who's stage name was "Red Brown," was born in 1914. In the 1930s he was one of the most eccentric characters in Texas music. His specialty was blues and jazz material. A news clipping described Joe: "Red Brown, the 'Banjo Maniac' ... is considered one of the best banjoists in the country, as well as a top-notch comedian." "He has been featured in stage productions and prominent nightclubs throughout the United States for a number of years, and has recently completed 18 months on the Publix Circuit, having covered 36 states."
        In 1936 "Red" joined the "Tune Wranglers" a Texas cowboy string band. He recorded and performed with them, off an on until 1938. The band was instrumental in popularizing string band music not only in their home of San Antonio, Texas but throughout all of Texas.
        During WWII "Red" was the master of ceremonies for the Crazy Water Crystal Gang. (By then he had adopted another alias, "Pop Stover.") A 1944 newspaper clipping mentions he had also been featured with Al Pierce's Radio Gang, and he toured with Al Dexter's band in the wake of his hit "Pistol Packin' Mama." "Red" eventually settled in the El Paso area, working as the morning radio personality. He died in New Mexico in 1981.

Tune Wranglers 1936-1938
Krazy Kat KK CD 28