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Ollie E. Brown: Percussion Power Behind the Stones’ Mid-’70s Tours
Percussionist on the Black and Blue and the Love You Live 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.
Ollie E. Brown may be best known to pop fans as one half of the dynamic 1980s duo Ollie & Jerry, but long before his breakdancing chart success, he was laying down grooves for some of the biggest names in music. A Detroit native born on April 20, 1953, Brown was already a seasoned session musician by his early 20s. His percussion skills added texture and rhythm to albums by Diana Ross, Sly and the Family Stone, Van Morrison, and Leo Sayer, making him one of the most in-demand musicians of the ’70s and beyond.
Rolling with the Stones (and Beyond)
Brown’s rock credentials are just as strong. Alongside Billy Preston and Ian Stewart, he was part of the Rolling Stones’ high-energy 1975 Tour of the Americas and their 1976 European tour. He also appeared on Black and Blue, further cementing his place in Stones lore. That same decade, he contributed to landmark records like I Can Stand a Little Rain by Joe Cocker and A Song for You by The Temptations. Not just a sideman, Brown was also an early member of Stevie Wonder’s band Wonderlove, helping shape the legendary Motown sound.
From Funk to Film Fame
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.
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