story behind 'Funkin for Jamaica (NY)' by Tom Browne.

Mini documentary about Tom Browne's song Funkin for Jamaica (NY) i made together with Dirk Jan Roeleven.

[@BigLos-ph7qq]

T. Browne needs his own episode of Unsung! A true innovator of music and a great musician as well!

[@bigsiscandice8818]

Carlos Leon you read my mind I was thinking about the same thing I have this album on cd still

[@chriso8193]

Unsung does not respect instrumentalist....which is why you don't see any.

[@bigsiscandice8818]

Mr. Chris So true

[@SILKYSLIM1264]

Mr. Chris They damn sure don't!

[@jamesdonaghy6758]

Agreed! Brown & Bird for me ; )

[@jaydeenyc]

R.I.P. Toni Smith (Thomassina Carrollyne Smith), co-writer and lead vocals.

[@queenonyxbutterfly]

🙏🏽❤🕊👑

[@antoniojones3579]

Oh my lord she passed so sad.

[@skinfanjay]

What happened to her???

[@lynnettagaskins4811]

In one of my best best friends

[@lynnettagaskins4811]

I will never ever forget the friendship Thomasina gave to me never I miss you Toni

[@davidlittle4696]

Tom Browne's, "Funkin' For Jamaica (NY) is an enduring classic jam that had stood the test of time.😂😂😂

[@thefunkyphantom69]

that one and thigh's high,

[@roquey44]

In the football venacular when describing a running back: it hasn't lost a step.

[@donnapug]

Tho you put NY in parentheses, we Jamaicans took this song as ours! 😉🇯🇲

[@felipeaguilar2505]

The song is timeless it will never go out of style this song should go in a time capsule in outer space it needs to span across the universe

[@delham7004]

Although his music career had to take a back seat, this song is timeless. His education in Physics paid off. Pay attention 'youngsters'.

[@elenaarman-tang7811]

Amen to that!

[@redbluffhill1]

Or money will tell itself where to go

[@elephantgrass631]

Hell yeah. But today? They riot like they deserve everything for free.

[@soulgirl70s]

Totally agree 👍🏼

[@ljohnson4185]

Absolutely! There’s nothing wrong with kinematics equations and derivatives.

[@pablo.romero]

Today, Tonni Smith passed away. A sad day. RIP, Tonni, the singer.

[@vladimiralvarez1162]

Pablo Romero what’s she died of mon ?

[@dalehoward8352]

RIP Tonni💜😟

[@amywood2514]

💔💔💔😢

[@randyeno]

This interview destroys the standard stereotype, normally applied to creatives. Thank you Mr Tom Browne.

[@kennethodister8461]

One of the baddest songs EVER!!!!!!!!!!

[@shirleybutler2623]

Kenneth Odister Hell yeah! !

[@kevinmyers468]

Preach!

[@ceejay9641]

Omg I literally typed the same comments on another video of this song... I almost thought this was meeee! Lmao

[@davidsofia7871]

What an awesome guy, Tom Browne is the shit , “Jamaica Funk” is a timeless piece. Such a humble and talented man. I like how he says “I wanted to make music and provide for my family. Not to make hit records....as long as I can provide for my family I’m a happy man.” A true artist and human being. Much respect.

[@averychilco]

I'm the biggest fan of all time of the song Jamaica Funk, I'm positive i've listened to it more times than all fans and members combined. Love it! best song ever.

[@mattfoley6082]

40 years later and I still love this song. Each element is perfect: drums, percussion, guitar, keys, piano, vocal. I hope Tom made lots of money from it because it has given me so much pleasure listening to it.

[@allthingsnu4673]

💯

[@anybodycanart]

This made me feel emotional, what a class act. So many musicians end up with a substance abuse, he made life for himself and family. And a pilot to boot, damn that's pretty sexy ;) This video was just put on my favorite in the playlist. I love how he said you need to tell money where to go, if not it...there are consequences. he's so humble and I wish him well. They just don't make em like they used to.

[@shoelover64]

For real. He did well with his gifts. He's a brilliant man, a degree in physics.

[@Smokestacklightin]

He's definitely to be admired and highly respected. A mark of a true man!! Funkin' for Jamaica will always be the shitz!!! Introduce it to these young copycats and it'll live another 9 lives at least.

[@MrTone075]

Facts!

[@randysurratt9919]

One of the coldest songs of my life. Even in 2019 it still can get any party going 👍🏽

[@lashid4u371]

RIP Toni Smith, the lead, female vocalist

[@classicrellz24]

Hey brother Tom Browne, a long time Jamaica, Queens resident like myself, we're still funkin' for Jamaica 24/7 from Merrick to Guy Brewer to Sutphin to Rockaway to 'the Ave' (Jamaica Avenue) and the whole nine yards. Keep up the good work and God Bless you!

[@shirleybutler2623]

Jarell Clark You just hit a home run with those comments TRUE DAT 4REAL! !

[@whitesongs73]

Jarell Clark my old stomping grounds

[@Dee-oy4nh]

Yep 🥰

[@treniadavis5772]

"Money is a fleeing thing, if you don't how to handle it will tell itself where to go".. Wise words - Thank you Mr. Browne

[@justisjones8095]

The moral of the story is: NEVER be mindlessly materialistic with your money. Think about how badly you want something before buying it. If you don’t want it that bad, don’t even bother purchasing. Not all material items are important.

[@MrJoncz]

Who is here because of SB2. 7/27/19

[@albatrossin2]

RIP Tonni... You had the Energy that will live forever

[@danjo2253]

I still, to this day, can't tell you how much that song influenced my love for hip hop/r&b music. Tom Brown's smooth trumpet, the sweet melodic voice of the lead singer, and the funky background music and vocals of the band grabs a hold of me every time I hear this song. For this song alone, you deserve a star on the "Musicians Sidewalk of Fame"!

[@PrAnG2000]

R.I.P. Toni Smith. Rest easy.

[@billywilliams4183]

I have a 1980 olds Cutlass and was banging Funkin for Jamaica one day. An older guy white guy pulled up to me a said oh my god that's Tom Browne. He said he bought that album when it was new. Then he said at the time he had just bought a new Cutlass supreme that looked exactly like mine did except for the rims. The look on his face was priceless. He gave me a brief history lesson about the song and it matched what Tom Browne said. 😎✌

[@carols1188]

Hello Tom Brown!! Being born and raised in Jamaica, Queens myself-growing up from the neighborhood of Baisley and Merrick to Rochdale Village, and now living in Maryland, when I hear this song it brings back so many memories of back-in-the day!!! I don't care where I live in this world, I am so glad I was born and raised in Jamaica, Queens. Thank you for making a unique and soulful song that will Never be forgotten!!

[@Lordsincere1]

I lived over there too. Went to P.S.30, lived across from Baisley Projects. Foch Blvd. & 165th St

[@jacquelynneowens6]

Born and raised in Jamaica Queens as well just came across you 3 year old comment on KZbin! I’m also living in MD! Small world, hello my fellow NY Sista💋🙌🏼

[@beezelite]

Grew up in Flushing but took music lessons just off Baisley Blvd. That neighborhood was the musical nexus of the world, The Queens renaissance. So happy to have experienced it as a young and curious music student.

[@carols1188]

@@jacquelynneowens6 just came across your comment😁..hello my NY sister! 😁✨

[@carols1188]

@@Lordsincere1 Wow! Just seeing your comment. Hello NY fam.!

[@williwombat1066]

I remember this and it was a two-fold pleasure. My family is from Jamaica, but Iived in NYC and know Jamaica in Queens. Great CLASSIC song

[@romulus_]

I'm a generation younger, but I really feel you can't be cooler than the people who were making this music. Tom Browne seems like a smart, classy dude who made an indelible mark in the music industry. Dudes like this are cut from a different cloth, huge respect.

[@MrChristian]

Wow, I had no idea he was a pilot.. Anyway, great artist and he created an iconic track that will live forever.

[@v8infinity8]

Anyone else here because SB2 sent you? Love Funk - awesome :) WWG1WGA

[@martinhuebner7450]

Jep!

[@v8infinity8]

@@martinhuebner7450 Hey . Nice to know you are here.

[@martinhuebner7450]

@@v8infinity8 Alles wird gut!

[@marianclough8577]

Yes.

[@ellenjohnson9808]

serial brain 2 sent me to this site nice to hear the old music playing I used to work at the Village Door they had a band every night the first night I started I remember Arthur prysock was the Entertainer for that evening great memories

[@BruceLeroy2620]

As long as I can provide for my family...then I'm a happy man... Wow humble words Mr Browne ♥

[@w1pev695]

After almost 40years I still smile when hearing the intro to this song. Playing the air piano chords is a must!

[@anthonybanks4958]

Still one of my all time favorite funk songs & still the most recognizable horn chords in all of funk, R&B, jazz & hip hop!

[@jay1ws1]

Serial Brain 2 brought me here. Q team

[@icemaglite]

): Too Me

[@nonayobizness]

Wow...a man of many talents - jazz trumpeter and aviator pilot! That song was amazing and so was "Thighs High - Grip Your Hips & More."

[@elenaarman-tang7811]

CoffeeLover yesss Thighs High was and still is the jamn! I still play this song thanks to KZbin 🎼🎼🎼

[@oRuTRa45]

Yup. Toni sang on that one too.

[@omarabdulalim4862]

Donald Byrd was a pilot also he played the trumpet

[@sirjer73]

@@omarabdulalim4862 Donald had a couple masters degree. Another well verse brilliant guy

[@bigsteve1966]

Listed on the session for "Funkin' for Jamaica (N.Y.)" were keyboardist Bernard Wright, bassist Marcus Miller, guitarist Bobby Brown, drummer Buddy Williams, percussionist Crusher Bennett, and pianist Dave Grusin.

[@Paradise-cq1gx]

So much respect for this gentleman. I am in total awe of him. A pilot as well as a successful and gifted musician? And his song is timeless as it can still get someone in that mood to dance and want to jam. Not many people have this range of talent and able to master each one. Just WOW! Kudos!!

[@yozy4996]

CLASSIC.... Back in the day against the summer heat, this was the JAM !!!!! It's quite obvious that Tom Brown is a realist...A beautiful human being...

[@minaimtiznot4327]

GTFO!!!...Tom Brown himself. thE original ' funkin for Jamaica' brother. And had received a freakin physics degree in aviation...!#@$* ok, I'm blown away. too cool.

[@elenaarman-tang7811]

Minaim Tiznot He's amazing! I had no idea he became a pilot! That's one talented and intelligent brother 🎺🎼🎤😎👍

[@heavystarch100]

IKR!#

[@rickykenny4257]

Talk about talented; Tom Browne is the man! God truly blessed him with amazing abilities, and Mr. Browne exercised those gifted to the fullest! A pilot, musician, and a physics major! 🛩🎺🎵👑

[@michaeljoyner3707]

I'm so Proud of You Brother Tom Browne! A Fine Example of Historical Excellence!!

[@patriciaarmstrong1118]

Amen!

[@jmunnyrulz6175]

For some reason I just always knew it was Jamaica NY, I knew they were high lol but the song is a classic so many things going on a rap, awesome female vocal, horns and of course, bass.

[@MMSanchezNY]

Thank you Captain, that song will remain timeless.

[@kenzelcold1636]

One of my all-time favorite classics 🎶 ... thank 🙏🏿 you

[@JUDGEDKC]

Living in the Bronx when this hit came out, true music and is on my current playlist of New York City music I grew up on. Retired military but will never retire "Funkin for Jamaica" thank you Mr. Tom Browne and your band.

[@placidity9170]

This song will live on FOREVER!!!!

[@waynefoote3781]

I was born in Kingston Jamaica and it took over 50 years for me to realize that tom and company were talking about Jamaica Queens!! But Still a COMPLETE CLASSIC!@ The whole crew churned out magic over many albums that warmed our hearts forever!

[@Keys7]

I love it! We talking bout yall too! ❤

[@waynefoote3781]

Thank you.

[@mingmong007]

This was the jam when it come out (Toronto, Canada)... the jam! Top 10.

[@RobinRichieProductions]

How marvelous. I never knew Tom Browne was also an airline pilot! This was a sweet discovery. Blessed congratulations and RIP Ms. Toni Smith.🙏🏽💯👑

[@sailescgmail]

No one mentioned his smoove cut ‘Herbal Scent’....one of his classics! And yes, ‘Thighs High’ was a stone groove too. Hell, I loved his entire ‘Browne Sugar’ album!!!!

[@ChrisNova777]

this has been in my ipod everyday of my life the last 6 years or so

[@EarthWindandFirepower0990]

I'M 60 NOW AND I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND A CLEAR ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION.WHY DOES THE VIDEO NOT HAVE THE REAL PEOPLE WHO PLAYED THE INSTRUMENTS ON THIS CLASSIC FUNKY TRACK IN THE DAMN VIDEO?BOBBY BROOM ON GUITAR,BENARD WRIGHT,AKA (NARD),ON BASS KEYBOARDS/SYNTHERSIZER AND KEYBOARDS,THE LEGENDAY MARCUS MILLER ON BASS AND BUDDY WILLIAMS ON DRUMS.NONE OF THESE 4 TALENTED MUSICIANS ARE IN THE VIDEO AND I STILL DON'T KNOW WHY THESE OTHER PEOPLE ARE IN THE VIDEO ALL THESE YEARS LATER.I WAS 16 WHEN THIS SONG CAME OUT IN JULY OF 1980 AND IT WAS ONE OF THE HOTTEST JAM ON THE RADIO AND IN THE CLUBS BACK THEN.THIS JAM IS AN ALL TIMER IN FUNK MUSIC AND WILL ALWAYS BE JUST THAT,AN ALL TIME FUNK JAM FOREVER.

[@robswift1551]

Watching this video stirred up my emotions. I love you Queens.

[@marsboogie]

One of my favorite songs of all time!!! I’m 55yrs old and remember the first time I heard this song!

[@questcowboyz6844]

One of my all-time favorite songs funkin for Jamaica

[@sewahsewah2044]

SOUL POWERFUL!!! 💕 👀 THIS IS WHEN PEOPLE PLAYED INSTRUMENTS AND SISTAS SANG SOUL!!!! 💕 DOESNT GET REALER THAN THIS!!! 💕A TRUE OLD SCHOOL FOR THE NEW SCHOOL CLASSIC!!!! 💕 I ALWAYS THOUGHT THE VOCALS IN THIS SONG WAS CHAKA KHAN!!! 🤗 WHO IS THIS SOULFUL VOCALIST!!! 💕 SHES SENSATIONALLY AWESOME!!! 💕 THAT IS THAT NATURAL RAW TALENT FROM THE SOUL!!!! 💕 THEY ARE JAMMIN FOR REAL!!! 💕💯% 👍🏽. BLESSINGS 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@aligaines8476]

From one that learned trumpet from an elder out of 142nd/107th, thank you for doing this for us. Holy cow, the Village Door. People have no idea, even till now, how many musicians come out of our section of Queens.

[@blkstang83]

An amazing man and musician.

[@TOMMUISC]

i like Bach, Gerorge Benson, EW&F, GAP, Piazolla, and i adore that song. merci. TW

[@msteach3082]

One of my all time favorite songs!

[@kendrickjones3115]

"...aaaw man, dont do it to me!!!" This was GREAT to see! Shout Out to Tom Browne(...he is an ORDINARY GUY😀) and not to mention "THIGHS HIGH" is the joint!!!! P.S. y'all remember "the WIKKA WRAP" which sampled BOTH Tom Browne CLASSICS?!!!!

[@oRuTRa45]

Kendrick Jones From what I understand, "he is an ordinary guy" was supposed to be kind of like a diss or a slight to Tom because he wasn't one of the main Kats from around the way in Jamaica. Something to that effect.

[@Porsche996driver]

Cool that Toni just came in, they all got high, and she just felt it on the vocals! Tom is quite a cool cat! Love how he got the old neighborhood funkin!

[@kedavis]

Great story.

[@papabois5001]

Time to bring the Jamaican Funk back. Salute

[@shoelover64]

I always thought it was done by musicians of Jamaican decent. They were all from Jamaica, NY!!! WOW!

[@dalehoward8352]

Me too!

[@mrsplanetmaster9]

That horn has worked down to the core of my very being..I grew up in an affluent area in Queens, 15 mins from Jamaica NY...I was a trained dancer and knew I scored when I ran into Tom and my dancing hit the street💃🏼 Max Respect 💋😁🌿

[@IronMan-tk8uc]

Great documentary. As a 22 year old Brazilian fan of Browne, I didn't know that he is a pilot. But, funny how things in the musical industry turns out. One of the prime funk artists in the late 70s-early 80s, eventually just as disco burned out, also the almighty funk, leaving many talented musicians behind. What a shame!

[@extendservices6988]

SerialBrain2 channel brought me here (Thank You and ThanQ and ThanQ+). WWG1WGA.

[@codystarcowski5279]

I always play this song at my house party's. It gets the people going!!!

[@gr8teagazr122]

This is a timeless jamm right here! OAN- that's my hometown- born and raised at 159th St & 107th Ave, Jamaica, New York.

[@rayall6199]

Awesome song and a great story of a man dedicated to his family.

[@davidmeyers3549]

I had to watch this twice to fully understand. I had no idea how underrated he is.. Amazing

[@believe12ofwhatyousee68]

i love this song plus proud new yorker.

[@mjg239]

2:33 He is STILL good looking even in his advanced age. I'm impressed!

[@aecmediallc1068]

Wow! I'm blown away! I didn't know Mr. Browne had a physics background and flew planes!!!! EXTRAORDINARY!!! JAMAICA FUNK and THIGH'S HIGH are absolutely timeless! what a talent! Also a lesson in getting a good education, young ones. Take heed.

[@leemontgomery7914]

Mr. Tom Browne, This has made my day, sir. You are most definitely both a left and right brain person. Music, Physics, and flying aircraft go hand in hand. Would like to see more documentary videos of you!

[@kellyh3034]

My best friend went to Texas for a summer. Came back with this album. It of course blew me away because at the time never heard it. Forward, Texas Southern University band- The Ocean of Soul- played thos song with the 🎺 solo exactly as the song for one of thier songs for their halftime show. It was one of the best arrangements I ever heard to this day.

[@bigmama5048]

TAKES ME BACK TO MY TEEN YEARS

[@kelliwhite3225]

One of my all time favorite jazz artists! Thank you for great music!❤

[@SobayoSowemimoCoker]

Thanks for uploading this video

[@effiestravelcoaching]

That song is TIMELESS!!!! THANK YOU FOR FOREVER!!!

[@wyndhleodumegwu253]

What a dual legacy! Very great "Organic Smooth Jazz" trumpeter of noble brilliance! Wish he can make a Christmas and a Gospel CD - for posterity and legacy.

[@craigford4518]

Wow ! Great Mini-Documentary ! Glad to see Mr. Browne is ALIVE and Well ! Keep Flying ! ❤❤❤.

[@thenowschool]

This song never fails in any dj set I play...thank you Tom

[@1995RangeRover]

Thanks for the great times Mr. Browne! Jamaica Queens, NY baby!!! 😎🎵🎼🎶💓

[@eddiekane24]

In my play list now

[@tracysmith4121]

This song is such a classic. It's still one of my absolute favorites! I love jazz and funk and it is just the perfect fusion of both styles! I was in the sixth grade when this song was out and because my last name was Brown at the time, I used to tell people I was related to him. I loved that song so much and still do. I wonder if Tom Browne receives any royalties for this song, if he doesn't, it's such a travesty because he really should. Such a Timeless song!

[@sheilasavage590]

Classic. I play this song on repeat today, still sound fresh and new.

[@cashmerefunk2136]

Thanx sir for you music 1980,good time's...

[@dougfredricks2017]

I graduated in 1982 and remember this tune being very popular in junior high school.

[@JESUSISLORDforever888]

I remember when this came out....WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW, it was played at every gathering.

[@DTMyles]

Baby, this jam right here gets me going at the gym! I love funk. I wasn't even thought of, but the music from the era is crazy!

[@floevans3805]

Love Tom brown and funkin for Jamaica but this video just gave me a whole new respect and love for this artist and hit

[@Shalamarshalamar]

My favorite of Tom Browne's songs : "Brighter Tomorrow "// there is something magical about that Song

[@bridgetbarnett6423]

What an awesome guy and beautiful story!

[@cynthiakennie9727]

Wow, did not know this. Talk about multi talented. Love the song from so long and still do. Way to go Mr Browne.

[@lauraowens8639]

Melissa Thomas., Harvey Divine Grate, Barry Johnson....Onaje Allan Gumbs....you can scream too. ..if you're from Jamaica Queens, or Ozone Park, Laurelton or St. Albans.... I want you to go to your windows. Scream Now! Aaaaaaaaah!!!! When I first heard this track, I was no longer living in NY. It was impossible not to be where everything was happening. Tom Browne (trumpeter), has made many subsequent recordings....but this is OUR anthem.

[@MrsSam]

Laura Owens Yaaaas it is .Jamaica, Queens, NY baby, indahouse!

[@shirleybutler2623]

MrsSam OMG PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME OUT Jamaica Queens 11433 4REAL

[@stevebirks2186]

Part of our growing up too! Wine Bars & Night Clubs were across The U.K. were playing it - Young ladies wearing Rah Rah skirts were throwing their handbags on the floor and were dancing around to this great recording ! - We did not know who Tom Browne was back then either ? - But we all knew that intro ? Thanks Tom Browne

[@sewahsewah2044]

RESPECT!!! 💕 BLESSINGS 💕 REST IN THE LORD MY SISTER! 💕 THANK YOU FOR SHARING THE NEWS OF SUCH AN INCREDIBLE LOST OF SUCH A BEAUTIFUL SOULFUL DYNAMIC VOICE!!! 💕🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 A WONDERFUL TRUTH BEHIND THE MAKING OF THE MUSIC!!! 💕 SUCH A HISTORICAL LEGACY AND POWERFUL DOCUMENTARY!!! 💕 TOM BROWNE BIG UP!!! 💕 A BEAUTIFUL USE OF TALENT!!! 💕🤗🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@njfinests]

Bro, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for giving us some historic funk for us to enjoy. This piece is timeless. I remember that song as a kid. I enjoy all the olds heads, who poured their souls, into the funk music of the 70s & 80's. May Allah continue to bless you Sir!!!!

[@mimij4660]

My jam forever!!! My kids love it too

[@shereemorgan1430]

It's 2022, and I still play my albums and CDs. The song is still amazing! Thank you for making it!!!

[@awakenedsistar1262]

I was a little girl when that jam came out. it's still 1 of my all time favorites. in the UK we always thought it was about the west Indian Jamaica. it wasn't until I moved to the states that I learned understood that it was about Jamaica NY.

[@bobthebarber777]

Absolutely, definitely, sure as hell, without any doubt, for ever and ever one of the greatest tunes ever!!!!! 🙏❤

[@slerual6896]

this song still hits like it did the very first time i heard it

[@ghostbear200123]

OUTSTANDING‼️🎺

[@LetsChillPage]

Hello, For me the best funky groove track ever. Everything is magic in this song, from the bass of Marcus Miller which resonates like the growl of a satisfied lion, perfectly enveloped by the piano of Dave Gruisin to the trumpet of Tom Browne which opens the song in such a singular way, as if to tell us: "Be careful, the savanna begins here ...". And of course the inimitable voice of Toni Smith that makes Jamaica resonate from inner. So thank you very much for this master piece :)

[@theonlysun2517]

Bernard Wright on keys! Absolutely a top 10 all time funk classic !!