Trumpeter Tom Browne at Hayti Heritage Center

The smooth sounds of the trumpet will soon echo through St. Joseph's in Durham not once, but twice in one evening.

The Heritage Music Series will present trumpeter great Tom “Funkin’ for Jamaica” Browne! Friday, May 10 at 7pm and 9pm. Tickets are $15.

Throughout Browne’s career, he has hit the highs that many in the music industry only aim for. If his chords have yet to find a place in your heart then you must not be listening to Tom Browne.

At a young age, Browne attended the High School of Music and Art/Performing Arts in New York and studied under Murray Karpilovsky, principal trumpeter with the NBC Orchestra directed by Arturo Toscanini. While building a name for himself on the New York jazz scene, Browne honed his talents through the teachings of Jimmy Nottingham, Richard Williams, Woody Shaw and Freddie Hubbard. He played alongside Weldon Irvine and Sonny Fortune in his first ever pro level performance. Browne’s talent and charisma attracted support from many jazz greats.

Browne has had a number of hit releases including “Browne Sugar” (1979), “Love Approach” (1980), and “Magic” (1981). In 1980 and 1981 Browne’s hit “Funkin’ for Jamaica” landed #1 as the US Billboard R&B single and his “Thighs High” at #4.

During his career Browne has received many Billboard honors including Best Instrumentalist, Best Jazz Cross-Over, Best Jazz Artist-Trumpet and Best Jazz Solo Album. His CD “S’Up” was released in August 2010 and features Fred Wesley and the Groove Collection.

Tom Browne’s stellar career speaks for itself, and he remains one of the finest jazz trumpeters and performers in the industry.

For more information on events in Durham, visit the Durham Event Calendar.