Marilyn Ashford Brown

Washington, D.C. native singer who recorded with artists such as Pieces of A Dream and the late Lou Rawls, and she has also opened as supporting act for the late Phyllis Hyman. From the time Marilyn began Elementary School through high school she participated in every school talent show there was, and formed a group called Natures Children while attending Junior High school. Shortly after graduating, while attending the University of the District of Columbia, she joined a group called Sasss during the mid-eighties. The group became known throughout their hometown. They were often used on recording sessions by local producers to record background vocals. Marilyn was deeply inspired by Phyllis Hyman’s music and had the opportunity to share the stage with Hyman, and to work with Philadelphia International Records Producer Dexter Wansel, and Songwriter Cynthia Biggs who wrote and produced for Hyman. Having had the opportunity to work with Dexter, opened a door for Marilyn and the female trio Sasss, and they recorded background vocals with Pieces of a Dream and the late Lou Rawls. As a songwriter, one of her songs titled: "Number One" caught the ears of, Orpheus Record Executive, Charles Huggins who was seeking music for an artist. Marilyn's publishing company, Ashfo Music, entered into a joint publishing venture with Orpheus and "Number One" charted on Billboard at number 76. In November 2006, she resumed recording her "Still Standing" CD which she began working on, prior to her husband's death. She has revised some of the music, by using new producers, and becoming more involved in the production aspects of her music. Her main objective is to continue writing, performing and promoting her music while focusing on finding an Agent. Her rendition of Earth, Wind & Fire’s 1976 hit, “Can’t Hide Love,” featured on her first independently released CD, "Marilyn Ashford Brown…Still Standing," which was released in October 2007. Eight months later an invitation was extended to her to open two nights for Comedian Steve Harvey. She performed on June 6th and 7th, 2008 at the Kodak Theatre, Los Angeles, California. In February 2008 she auditioned and landed a singing spot in the Broadway play, "Vagina Monologue," starring Star Jones, formerly of “The View.” Marilyn was recently privileged by an invitation to perform for the Congressional Black Caucus 2008 Awards Dinner where Presidential Candidate, Barack Obama was a honoree and recipient of the “Phoenix Award”. She was accompanied by The Clarence Knight Orchestra and shared the stage with Patti Labelle. Marilyn has continued to perform occasionally in the UK at Soul Festivals and Weekenders.