On the Road with Willie Brown & Friends

What's Up Folks

It's A New Day With New Challenges

Hello Everybody. I hope you all are doing well. This has already been an amazing

year. Things started out kind of slow, but they're picking up at a rapid pace. My faith

in God makes all the difference in the world. I know that some people don't like to

give God the credit, but I can't help it. I don't know what else to do. When you 

start the year off and you have no dates on your calendar it will make you wonder.

I'm a man of faith and I could not be doing what I'm doing at this level without it.

I would bet that if most people did not work for a whole month they would be having

a hizzy fit! But if it had not been for God on my side. I never worried about things.

I just kind of took it in stride. I let God work my calendar. When my calendar is empty

I say "I guess God has more room to work a miracle for me." When my calendar

is full I say "Thank you God for making all things possible." 

So, my January was a wash, but I needed that time to work on setting up the 

prison ministry at our church. Also, we had a tenant move out of our investment

property and we have to turn it over. Therefore, that is taking some time to work out

as well. Finally, we have the old dreaded taxes that need to be filed. It's not easy

when you work for yourself. You have to keep good records and maintain a high

level of accountability.

Florida Here We Come

I'll be flying down to Florida this week to perform in Boynton Beach. I'm doing two elementary

school Black History Month Programs. The shows are being sponsored by the Delray 

Beach Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. I'm looking forward to encouraging

the children by giving them the history of  black men and women who have helped to 

build this great country of ours. The next day we drive to Tampa to do a Valentine's Day

Comedy event with Arthur Too Smooth Productions. I'll be performing with Comedian 

LadyQ and others. I'm looking forward to that.

After the show we drive back four hours to Boynton Beach. What a night it's gonna be.

I'm a road warrior. Planes, trains, and automobiles. Real comedians know what I'm 

talking about. We make it do what it do. We get the job done by any mens necessary.

The next morning I have to be at St. John's Missionary Baptist Church. I have a show in

the morning for the youth, and one in the afternoon at 4 PM for families and the community.

It's going to be an action packed weekend.

Maybe you or your friends can attend one of these events. Be sure to tell your people that

live in those areas. For more information about shows or tickets call (310) 663-9228.

You guys have a great day! And don't forget, no matter how things are looking at the present,

always KEEP THE FAITH. 

 Hello Folks!

I hope you all are doing well. January flew by like a flash. I didn't actually work much

this month as I was preparing my taxes, and working on renovating an investment

property that my wife and I own, and I took over as head of the prison ministry at our

church Tabernacle of Praise Church International in McDonough, GA. I've been so

busy that I don't know which direction I'm going in.  I'm really taking the necessary

time to set things up for our prison ministry team. We had our first meeting on Tuesday

night and it went very well. We recently had a major soap drive in December where

our church gathered almost six thousand bars of soap. We also have put together

deodorant for men and women, along with hair shampoo and conditioner. The men

and women are really going to appreciate these items. Having been a chaplain at a

women's correctional facility, I know how important it is for those who do not have 

funds to receive these items. We are very grateful to all of the people who have supported

us. We have already begin to disperse these items to some of the facilities that we 

serve.

 

If you would like to assist us in collecting much needed hygiene items for men and 

women just message me at the bottom of this blog or contact Willie Brown at

Tabernacle of Praise Church International in McDonough, GA (678) 272-7838

Okay so it's time to get back out on those ships. I need to make some money now.

Even Uncle Rufus is ready to get back out there on the ship

As my wife was saying "It would be so nice to be in a place with a warm climate right about now."

In December I got a chance to spend the day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.  It was very nice. I 

walked around a bit, took in the sights, ate some food, went to CVS to get some immune system builders, and headed back to the ship

We also went to Cay Bahamas which is an island that I believe is owned by the cruise line, or at least they get to go there and dock for the day.

The weather was a little too cold to go into the beach that day. So I walked around and 

checked out  the sights.

One thing about the ship is that there is always a beautiful picture to take

So, I'm painting pictures of fun because this is what I'd rather be doing right now. But I know 

that I have some business to finish. And as soon as I do it's Bon Voyage!

This above picture of me was taken at the Hibachi Restaurant onboard the

MSC Seascape. The food was great and the chefs were having a lot of fun that night.

The sea is calling me and I'll be back soon. I'll talk to you guys later. Be sure to leave me some

comments below.  Thank you and God bless you.

What It's Like Being A Cruise Ship Comedian

Working as a comedian on a cruise ship is a lot of fun for me. It's a whole lot better

than performing in some dive or bar where they have bad lighting and bad sound.

On a ship they have the best lighting and sound equipment that you can imagine.

There is a whole staff that is dedicated to helping you to be the professional that 

you really are. That's why I took advantage of the whole situation by having music

in my act and making sure that my wardrobe was superb. You want to wear something

that sparkles when the light hits it!  I was thoroughly prepared for my shows on

the MSC Seascape. I was a little nervous before I went on because I didn't know how

the crowd would receive me, but that's how it always is for comedians. But once

you get those first few laughs you're on your way, and you're going to take the audience

for a ride.

I liked Frank Sinatra all the way back to when I was on a cruise ship many years ago. 

At the end of the night the band members would crank Frank Sinatra up down in the 

crew quarters. It would be a big party after the show and Frank was always invited.

Above and below are pictures of me and Uncle Rufus. He was a smash hit

on the ship. I asked him if he had met any interesting people on the ship and he said

he met a young lady from Italy. And I said "Genoa"? And he said "No, I just met her."

Then he told me that he met a man from the U.K. So I said "Oh the United Kingdom?"

And he said "No, the University of Kentucky." 

The ship puts your information on the marquee when the ship first takes off to let people know about your upcoming show. As the time passes people log in and make their reservations. By the time the show begins you'll have a full house of passengers waiting for a good laugh.

What's so great about performing on the ship is that when you have a good show everybody

tells you about it. Wherever you go on the ship you will see people and they will say

"Hey you were great last night." "We loved your show." "Where's Woody....isn't he hungry.?"

I love people so I don't mind talking to them. They like to ask you questions about how you

got started in comedy especially when you're a ventriloquist. Somebody is always going

to ask you "How did you get started as a ventriloquist?" And that's when I tell them that

"I was a lonely child." LOL. That's not true. I got started in ventriloquism through an interest in magic.

I was also inspired by Willie Tyler & Lester, and Jay Johnson from the hit tv show Soap. My mother

bought me my first dummy as a Christmas gift when I was thirteen. I then found a home study

course in the back of comic book and I did everything they told me to do and I became a 

professional. Incredible right? Only in America....LOL. It's been an amazing journey and I 

wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

In the picture above I'm hanging out with a couple in Cay Bahamas along with the ship

comedian Jason Russell. Jason was really cool and he was showing me the ropes while

being out on the Seascape. We bonded quickly as professional comedians and had

some really good conversations about the business, life, family, and relationships.

I also hooked up with some really cool people from Philadelphia. I found out that

we all had a lot in common. I love Philly. It's one of my favorite places. I guess

that's why they call it the "City of Brotherly Love." That doesn't mean that you can't

get robbed there because you can. But it's a pretty good sports town and the people

are down to earth for the most part. Being a comedian on a cruise ship is a lot of fun.

I love it. I'm built for it. I go out there, do my job, have a good time, and enjoy the

people. You can't ask for anything more than that. To me it's a dream come true.

The only thing about it is that I spent a lot of money on that cruise. It was close to 

Christmas so I bought my wife a diamond ring and some diamond earrings. I also

went to the Breitling store in Grand Cayman Island. I didn't buy a watch this time,

but I showed mine off. I've purchased two Breitlings while being on cruises. If

they had the one that I was looking for I might have bought it for my wife Sherry.

Watches are an expensive habit. I guess that's one of the reasons why they came

up with the phrase "Time is money."  I own a Breitling by Bentley which is 

one of their signature series watches. It has the Bentley wheel engraved in the back

of the watch. It's pretty cool. That means I'm going to have to get the car to match

the watch. I'm going to have to do a lot more shows  in order to do that.....LOL. I'll be cruising

all over the world non-stop to make that happen.

The Adventures of Comedian/Ventriloquist Willie Brown & Friends

 Cruise Ship Life

On December 2 through the 16 I was booked on the MSC Seascape to do two

seven day cruises. It was great! I had been wanting to get booked on a cruise ship

for a long time and it finally happened. My agent called me out of the blue and

asked me if I was available and of course I said "Yes I am." So, I left from the 

Miami Harbor around 6 PM on December 16th. It was pretty cool. Here's a glimpse

of what it looked like.

Throughout the cruise we sailed to Cozumel, Mexico, The Grand Cayman Islands,

Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Nassau Bahamas, Old San Juan Puerto Rico, Cay Bahamas,

and to the Puerto Plata, Domenica Republic. I performed two shows the first week

and three shows the second week. The crowds loved it and so did I.

MSC is a very nice cruiseline. In fact, I never even heard of it before I got booked to be on it,

But the strangest thing happened once I received the booking. I started seeing commercials

for MSC all over the place. It was like every single cruise ship commercial was MSC. I 

couldn't believe it. I was on the MSC Seascape and it was a beautiful ship, probably one of 

largest and most amazing ships that I have ever been on.

I put a lot of time into coming up with new routines for a varied audience. When you're 

on a cruise you are performing not just for mainstream America, but for people from

all over the world. MSC is an Italian cruiseline so we had lots of Europeans aboard. There

were so many different languages being spoken that I thought I was on the "Tower of  Babble."

I went into the recording studio before I went out on the ship and worked on a medley

of Frank Sinatra duets along with Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, and a little Gladys Knight

for my Aunt Tee character. The music and bits were a big hit. The crowds loved it. The 

whole experience took me to a new level. I can't wait to get back out there.

Stick around folks there's more to come. I've got lots of stories and pictures from the different

islands and places that I've been. I've been around the world several times performing in various

countries and places. A friend of mine told me that I needed to chronicle my travels. He said to

me "Willie, you've been all over the world performing on stages and on television and film. You

need to let people know what you've already done." I  said " Yeah you're right."  So, this is my effort

to keep you all informed on the many travels and adventures of Comedian/Ventriloquist Willie

Brown and Friends.

Above you will see a picture from Puerto Plata, Domenican Republic. It was a beautiful

view.  

 

 

 

Minister Deacon Uncle Rufus Sermon: "The Power of Forgiveness"

If there is ever a time that we need to exercise forgiveness it would be now.

We are in the middle of a pandemic that has been going on since February 2020.

Life has changed as we know it. We are now living in what some call

the "New Normal." The truth is that there is nothing normal about it. People

have lost jobs, are forced to wear masks, and must maintain social distancing.

We need God like never before. Oh Lord please hear our humble cry. Your

word says in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that if your people who are called by your

name would humble themselves, pray, and turn from their wicked ways, then

you would hear from your Father in heaven and heal our land. Lord please

help us to do your will and heal our land. Will you forgive us?

Mya & Woody Safety Tips Episode #1

Minister Deacon Uncle Rufus Sermon Titled: "You Get What You Go After"

Minister Deacon Uncle Rufus New Sermon Titled: "If The Dream Is Big Enou...

Woody Promo for Minister/Deacon Uncle Rufus Preaches

Minister/Deacon Uncle Rufus Preaches Sermon: "Everything Must Change"

Minister/Deacon Uncle Rufus Preaches Sermon: "Don't Stop Get It, Get It!"

Aunt Tee Promo For Deacon Uncle Rufus

Minister/Deacon Uncle Rufus Sermon: "Are You Prepared"?

Minister/Deacon Uncle Rufus Preaches Sermon Titled: "What Do You Have In...

Minister/Deacon Uncle Rufus Sermon Titled: "Are You A Father Or Are You ...

Something Good Is Going To Come Out Of This Covid-19

Something Good Is Going To Come Out Of This Covid-19

     What in the world is going on? Never in my lifetime have I ever experienced anything like

Covid-19. I'm a baby boomer and I don't think anyone in my generation has seen anything like this.

The whole world came to a stand still due to this insidious virus that attacks the respiratory system and causes pneumonia and possibly death. The number of those stricken by this disease is staggering. People are forced to live life in a new normal that isn't so normal. We must wear masks and gloves when we leave our homes, and wash and sanitize our hands constantly. We are told to observe social distancing and stay at least six feet away from others.  We have been told to stay inside unless we really have something important to do like get groceries or go to the doctor's office. Many of us are forced to stay home and cannot work or earn income.

     My wife and I had a new grandson Nathaniel born six weeks ago and today was the first time we saw him in person since the day he was born. We've been disciplined by not even trying to go and see our grandchildren because we do not want to infect them in case we might have the coronavirus ourselves.  People are walking around asymptomatic which means that you can have the virus, but not have any of the symptoms.  Many people have passed including a couple of brothers from my church. In fact, every time I go on Facebook someone is asking for you to pray for a loved one or friend who has died.

     What good has come out of this? Well people are forced to be at home with their families. Parents are home from work and children are home from school. People are eating at home more which is probably much healthier. My wife and I haven't eaten this much at home since we've been married. Event performers like myself have had most of our shows cancelled which has severely impacted our income. This virus has forced us to become more creative by doing virtual comedy shows online via the Zoom platform. It seems to be the new thing. I've also been doing more live streams on Facebook and sharing it to YouTube to create a bigger audience. I've been needing to this, but I must say that I've been complacent. So lately I find myself being quite busy although I'm quarantined at home. I've been working our Karatbars gold business and writing and creating live streams and skit ideas for my characters, Woody, Uncle Rufus, and Aunt Tee. I've even been selling DVDs online to earn extra income. So where there is a will there is a way. God is still in control. All things work for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  

     We will get through this and people will learn to love one another even more. Perhaps we will develop a greater fear of God and begin to do His will. As I said earlier, something good is going to come out of this season of Covid-19.

Don't forget to order our special Comedy DVD Pack. We are offering two DVDs for the price of one. Cashapp $25 to $williebwoody. Send your name, address, email address, and phone number to williebwoody20@gmail.com and we will get your order to you right away.  Thank you.

Today is a New Day Let's Make The Best Out Of It

Hello Everyone:

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us be glad and rejoice in it. It's been a minute since
my last blog. A lot has happened since then. I graduated from Ohio Christian University with
my Masters in Theology. My mom, Dorothy E. Brown went to be with the Lord in July 2016.
The end of the year was like a blur to me. I tried to stay busy to keep from feeling the pain of
losing my mother. But the truth is that you can't hide from your feelings. I miss my mother so much.
She was more than a mother to me. She was my friend and confidant. She supported me when
no one else would. I know that she lives within me, but she will be truly missed.

On a positive note we are back in the swing of doing comedy business. We have just produced
the latest episode of "Willie Brown and Friends Gospel Comedy Live."  That's right folks. You can
order our newest comedy DVD at www.cleancomedyclinic.com.  This is the third DVD in a Six part series
of stand-up comedy shows featuring some of the funniest comedians in the business.

Order your copy today:

You can also book your favorite Comedians at www.cleancomedyclinic.com

Karatbars Let's Go Weekend Two March 4th and 5th 2016 in Atlanta

Willie Brown's Journey Of Faith: A Movie Review Response for the Film "Straight Out...

Willie Brown's Journey Of Faith: A Movie Review Response for the Film "Straight Out...: This is a movie review response that was prepared for a class that I am taking  called Mission in the Western World. This class deals with t...

A Movie Review Response for the Film "Straight Outta Compton".

This is a movie review response that was prepared for a class that I am taking  called Mission in the Western World. This class deals with the condition of this world that we live in which is made up of a postmodern cultural mindset.  How can the body of Christ effectively communicate the gospel to those they do not understand or to those who simply do not believe in Christ, God, or the creation of man has recorded in the Holy Bible.
I decided to do my review on the movie "Straight Outta Compton."  I thought that was a very interesting film and here is my take along with some methods in which we may have been able to introduce the gospel of Jesus Christ to the men in the film.

Movie Review Response

            The following exercise is a movie review response for the film “Straight Outta Compton.”  This response will first identify and describe elements from the movie (scenes, dialogue, situations, or thought processes) that are symptomatic of the “postmodern condition”.  Next, there will be an identification and description of one or two elements (scenes, dialogue, situations, or thought processes) that could present an obstacle for presenting the Gospel.  Finally, there will be an identification and description of one or two elements (scenes, dialogue, situations, or thought processes) that could present an opportunity for presenting the Gospel.  An analysis of what need was expressed and the questions which were foremost will be recorded as well.

Symptomatic Signs of the “Postmodern Condition”

            The movie “Straight Outta Compton” depicts the lives of three young African American males from Compton, California who follow their dreams of making it out of the hood and becoming successful gangster rappers/national recording artists.  Dr. Dre, Easy-E, and Ice Cube formed a group titled NWA, which stands for Niggas With Attitudes.  The very boldness of the name itself sets the tone for a postmodern culture that is full of the right to say and do whatever you feel.  In the opening scene we see Easy-E in the midst of a drug deal gone bad.  He approaches his so called partners at their Compton home with hopes of collecting money, but is confronted with opposition as his drug dealing cohorts refuse to pay him what they owe.  In the scene we hear graphic language as they argue and curse at each other through the failed transaction.  Easy-E refers to a woman who is there as a “B” and we see guns, alcohol, and drugs present.  Finally the police raid the home with a tank like apparatus which busts the door down while violently slamming one of the women into the wall. Easy-E runs and kicks out the bathroom window while the others scramble to hide drugs and exit the best way they can.  The very use of profane language, illegal drugs, and activity depict the postmodern culture that we live in today.  We notice a people so desperate to exist that they must sell illegal drugs and are involved in gangs in order to survive. 

            In scene two we see kids on a school bus throwing up gang signs to a car full of Crips.  The gangsters then pull in front of the bus on a busy street, board it, and begin to scold and threaten the young kids who were making the gang signs.  This is the kind of life that people are living in the streets of America today.  Gang life is void of Christian beliefs, true love, and sanctification.  In fact it is a life that is full of people longing for love and affiliation in the wrong places.  It is a life filled with despair, violence, death, and a need to belong.  The very music that NWA and groups like it promote is said to show what real life is like in the hood and on the urban streets of America. Producers of this brand of music claim that basically they are just a mirror of society.  A whole culture of what is known as hip-hop has been invaded by this brand of hardcore rap music that is filled with braggadocio, misogyny, and the glamorization of drugs and violence. We’ve gone from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five to Niggas With Attitudes (NWA). We’ve gone from “Rappers Delight” to “ F the Police”. Every generation seems to push the envelope a little farther. Sadly enough this is the reality of many people in our postmodern culture today. An attitude of tolerance and acceptance is a breeding ground for anti-Christian beliefs and theology.

             In another scene we notice examples of police corruption as Ice Cube and his parents are referred to as “niggers” and called other derogatory terms by members of the LAPD.  Throughout the movie there are instances where the police harass these young African American males for what seems like nothing.  Fear and abuse of power along with racial profiling are also evident in a culture that is lacking faith and righteous consciousness.  On one hand we see a much needed, but corrupt authority, and on the other hand we see an oppressed people who are searching for a way out of their misery.  Unfortunately when the group members actually begin to progress financially and are able to move from the hood to Beverly Hills and beyond they still bring their hood-like attitudes and gangster lifestyle with them. 

Obstacles for Presenting the Gospel

            In one respect you feel for the young men who are fighting to better their economic situation and move from a life of have-nots, but what good is it if their money just allows them to have bigger parties, more drugs and alcohol, mixed with sexual orgies. In the movie there is a very important scene where the group is being told what they can say and not say on stage.  In order to voice their opinion of police brutality they exercised their right to record the song “F the Police.”  This song caused a major uproar throughout the country, but it brought light to the subject of police brutality that our young African Americans are facing every day in this country.  When told not to perform the song at a concert, Ice Cube leads them into it regardless.  A riot seemed to break out as the police tried to stop the music and finally ended up arresting the group. Because of the First Amendment right to freedom of speech it seems that the law could be a hurdle for presenting the Gospel.  An attempt could have been made to tell the group (NWA) not to use foul language, or try to tell your message in a more positive light, or instead of saying “F the Police” can we find a way to somehow get along with the police?  Laws and rights make it hard in a postmodern culture to present the Gospel.  When the government makes things that are immoral legal then people feel that they are well within the law to exercise their rights.  When a downtrodden people believe that money is the answer to all of their problems then it is still difficult to teach them how to behave with respect and dignity.  You can move the boy out of the hood, but you can’t move the hood out of the boy.  People who have lots of money tend to feel that they can do whatever they can afford to do whether it is right or wrong.

A Chance to Present the Gospel

            There are a number of opportunities where we could have presented the gospel to our main characters in this movie.  We could have presented Christ to the young men when they were first forming the record label.  Instead of them leaning towards gangster rap perhaps they could have leaned more towards positive, Inspirational, or Christian rap.  Maybe we could have explained to them that “Life and death is in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat the fruit thereof” (Proverbs 18:21).  There are consequences that we must face with the words that we speak.  Perhaps the gospel could have been introduced to the men when they were jailed for inciting a riot at the concert by performing the song “F The Police.” While they were in bondage and could hear a word spoken from a man or women of God there may have been a chance to get their attention.  One may have said to them “See where your music and expression has gotten you”?  “You are locked up behind bars in a country that is supposed to have free speech.”  “The only freedom is a life with a loving and forgiving God.”  “It is our faith in God and not our money that provides true freedom.”  The word says “Now the Lord is the spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17).  One final opportunity to present the gospel could have been in the scene where Easy-E died from AIDS. In this scene we see one of the members of the group not even able to go into the hospital room to see Easy-E in his present condition.  Perhaps this would have been a great time to offer the salvation of Jesus in the remission of all of their sins.  A Man of God may have said something like this “let not your friend Easy-E’s death be in vain.  Although he fought for a better life free from selling drugs and being involved with gangs, his choices which were fueled by his beliefs and money, led him to sickness and death.”  “God wants more for your life than just an opportunity to get on stage, curse, make lots of money and then party afterwards.”  “God wants your soul to be saved. He loves you and forgives you for all unrighteousness.” “Do you know where you will spend eternity if you are to die today”?  “Easy-E died, but do you know that Jesus Christ died for you so that you could have ever lasting life.” 

Needs and Questions

            The need for our young rappers to express themselves in a world where they felt victimized and oppressed was definite.  There was also a need for our people of authority to see that you cannot profile a whole generation simply by the color of their skin and where they are from.  Also, young artists need to know that there is a responsibility when getting on the microphone in front of people, and you will be held accountable for your words and actions.  Finally, the only true freedom in this world comes from a loving God, and through the blood of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Christ and his word is the one that should be spread throughout the world, and not that which seeks the gain of money, and fame. The most foremost questions are 1) what God do you serve? 2) Do you serve God or mammon? 3) What profit is there to gain the whole world and lose your soul?

            In conclusion a movie review response was conducted which identified many elements, situations, and thought processes that are symptomatic of the “postmodern condition.”  An identification of an element or two which could provide an obstacle to presenting the Gospel, as well as an element or two which could provide an opportunity to present the Gospel was provided, along with an analysis of needs that were expressed and the foremost questions which might be asked.

Please provide your feedback. I'd like to hear your comments on what you think about the paper, the movie, and your thoughts on our post modern society as a whole.

Thank you.

Get the new "Willie Brown and Friends Gospel Comedy Live" DVD Volume 2. It's available through PayPal
on The Clean Comedy Clinic site at www.cleancomedyclinic.com.  It's hilarious and will keep you and your family laughing the entire time.