Arthur Brown is a singer and performer from Whitby, United Kingdom, born in 1944. He is known for theatrical stage shows that include fire helmets and elaborate costumes, and for his association with psychedelic rock and related forms of rock music.

Career

Brown becomes widely known in the 1960s through his single “Fire,” which reaches number one in the UK and number two in the United States. The song gives him the nickname “The God of Hellfire.” His 1968 debut album, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, also becomes a Top Ten record in the UK and reaches number seven on Billboard’s Pop Albums chart in the United States. The album is regarded as a classic of the late-1960s psychedelic scene and includes versions of songs by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and James Brown.

Brown works under and alongside several related group names, including The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and Kingdom Come. The Crazy World of Arthur Brown features Vincent Crane on organ and organ bass pedals, Sean Nicholas on bass guitar, Drachen Theaker on drums, with Carl Palmer and Jeff Cutler appearing on drums on later tour dates. Brown later moves on to Kingdom Come after the original band’s period of activity.

Recordings and releases

The Crazy World of Arthur Brown’s discography includes the singles “Devil’s Grip / Give Him a Flower” and “Fire / Rest Cure” in 1968, followed by the album The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. Other releases listed under the band name include Strangelands, Tantric Lover, Vampire Suite and Voice Of Love. The 1991 CD reissue of the 1968 album adds a mono version of the original side one material.

Style and legacy

Brown’s music is associated with psychedelic rock, progressive rock and related styles, and his stage image is closely tied to his reputation as an early theatrical rock performer. His work is also connected with the broader 1960s one-hit-wonder phenomenon in the UK through “Fire,” while the single remains his best-known recording.