Like what you see? Help keep it going! This site runs on the support of readers like you. Your donation helps cover costs and keeps fresh Rolling Stones content coming your way every day. Thank you!

Ollie E. Brown: Percussion Power Behind the Stones’ Mid-’70s Tours

*Click for MORE STONES ARTICLES

Ollie E. Brown may not be the first name tied to the Rolling Stones’ mid-’70s peak, but his percussion helped shape their live power and evolving sound. From the 1975 Tour of the Americas to the 1976 European tour, and recordings like Black and Blue and Love You Live, his groove added depth during a time of musical experimentation. Long before his success with Ollie & Jerry, Brown was already a go-to session player, working with legends like Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder. His story reveals a hidden architect behind iconic sounds—proving that sometimes the rhythm driving the spotlight comes from just outside it.

Percussionist on the Black and Blue, Love You Live and El Mocambo 1977 albums, Ollie E. Brown brought his distinctive rhythm and energy to the Rolling Stones during a pivotal period in the band’s history. He joined the group for their 1975 Tour of the Americas, adding extra punch and groove to their live sound. Unlike other special guests on that tour—such as Billy Preston and not-yet-official Stone Ronnie Wood—Brown was paid a straight salary rather than receiving a cut of the tour’s profits. Nevertheless, his contributions were crucial to the band’s live dynamic. His collaboration with the Stones didn’t end there: Brown also joined them on their 1976 European tour, helping shape the percussive textures of their performances during an era when the Stones were experimenting with funk, soul, and reggae influences. His behind-the-scenes role may have been understated, but it was undeniably impactful.

More about about Ollie Brown

Ollie E. Brown’s name might ring a bell for fans of Ollie & Jerry and their 1980s chart success, but his story starts much earlier, far from the spotlight of pop fame. Born in Detroit on April 20, 1953, Brown had already built a solid reputation as a skilled session musician by his early 20s, quietly shaping the sound of an era from behind the scenes.

Before stepping into mainstream recognition, his percussion work became a vital ingredient in recordings by Diana Ross, Sly and the Family Stone, Van Morrison and Leo Sayer. His ability to add depth, groove, and subtle complexity made him one of the most sought-after musicians of the ’70s and beyond, proving that his influence extended far beyond the hits he would later be known for.

Rolling with the Stones (and Beyond)

Brown’s rock credentials run deep, placing him firmly within the orbit of The Rolling Stones during a defining era. At the same time, his reach extended far beyond one band. During that decade he contributed to standout records like I Can Stand a Little Rain by Joe Cocker and A Song for You by The Temptations. Earlier still, he had been part of Stevie Wonder’s Wonderlove, helping shape the unmistakable Motown sound—proving he was never just a sideman, but a key force behind some of the era’s most influential music.

In the late ’70s, Brown’s career took another exciting turn when he teamed up with Raydio bassist Jerry Knight to form Ollie & Jerry. Their hit single Breakin’… There’s No Stopping Us became an anthem of the breakdancing craze, soaring to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984. Though its sequel Electric Boogaloo didn’t hit the same heights, Brown’s influence in soundtrack music extended to Revenge of the Nerds with the track They’re So Incredible. Behind the scenes, his fingerprints were all over major projects—from producing Ray Parker Jr.’s Ghostbusters to working on Michael Jackson’s Bad and projects by Quincy Jones, La Toya Jackson and DeBarge. Today, Brown continues to make moves— but this time in the real estate world.

Like what you see? Help keep it going! This site runs on the support of readers like you. Your donation helps cover costs and keeps fresh Rolling Stones content coming your way every day. Thank you!

COPYRIGHT © ROLLING STONES DATA
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE IS COPYRIGHT OF ROLLING STONES DATA. ALL CONTENT BY MARCELO SONAGLIONI.
ALL SETLISTS AND TICKET STUBS TAKEN FROM THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE ROLLING STONES. 
WHEN USING INFORMATION FROM ROLLING STONES DATA (ONLINE OR PRINTED) PLEASE REFER TO ITS SOURCE DETAILING THE WEBSITE NAME. THANK YOU.