(b. 8 September 1903 Stephensville, TX, d. 18 April 1936)

Bob Wills and Milton Brown each went on to head one of the two most popular and important Western Swing bands. Wills assumed the title of “King of Western Swing” and remained active for many years.  He died on May 13, 1975.  Milton Brown, who more properly deserves the title  “Founder of Western Swing,” died on April 18, 1936, the victim of a tragic automobile accident.   Although he wasn’t killed on impact, he died five days after the crash, from pneumonia. Milton Brown, only 32 years of age, was lost to us just at a time when he was preparing to rise to prominence on the national scene. A Milton Brown photo. A Milton Brown book: Milton Brown & the Founding of Western Swing