Brothers, "Big Piney" and "Little Piney" migrated to Kansas City from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, during World War I and became well known figures in the 18th and Vine district. They were sporting men who profited from Kansas City's thriving entertainment district. Younger brother, Little Piney, managed clubs, gambling games and promoted prize fights. He was known to be a big tipper and a soft touch for hard-up musicians.

Older brother, Big Piney Brown, was a protégé of politician Felix Payne. Little Piney managed the Subway at 18th and Vine and the Sunset Club at 12th and Vine. Little Piney also was known to be a good friend to musicians. Due to his hospitality, the Sunset Club--which featured Pete Johnson on piano and a singing bartender named Joe Turner--was the place of choice for musicians to jam after hours.

Big Piney moved to Chicago, where he died in 1932. By some accounts, Little Piney moved to the Los Angeles area in 1939. It's not clear whether it was Big or Little Piney whom Joe Turner and Pete Johnson eulogized with "Piney Brown Blues" recorded for the Decca label on November 11, 1940 .

Trussell, Robert.

"Piney Brown Mystery Still Alive on `Corner of 18th and Vine.'" Kansas City Star. August 11, 1989.

Russell, Ross.

Jazz Style in Kansas City and the Southwest. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1971.

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