Michael Brown

Michael Brown (born Michael David Lookofsky, April 25, 1949 – March 19, 2015) was an American keyboardist and songwriter, most notable for his work with the Left Banke.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of violinist and arranger Harry Lookofsky, Brown was the principal songwriter for the 1960s baroque-pop group the Left Banke writing their two biggest hits "Walk Away Renee" and "Pretty Ballerina". He also was a harpsichordist and clavinetist for the band. "Walk Away Renee" was also a top 20 hit for the Four Tops having reached No. 15 on the soul singles chart, and No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Internal band tensions saw Brown leave the Left Banke in late 1967, prior to the completion of their second record. He went on to become involved in the band Montage, writing and producing their self-titled album. Brown also co-wrote the minor mid-1968 hit "And Suddenly" for The Cherry People, peaking at #45 single on the Billboard Hot 100. He briefly returned to the Left Banke, producing the single "Myrah" in 1969 and Left Banke vocalist Steve Martin Caro's solo single "Two By Two".

In 1971 Brown and vocalist Ian Lloyd formed Stories. They were introduced by their fathers, Peter Buonconsiglioand Harry Lookofsky, who had worked together as session violinists. A self-titled album and single – "I'm Coming Home" (No. 42, 1972) – followed.

The band recorded a second album About Us in (1973). Brown left the band prior to the recording of Hot Chocolate's "Brother Louie", which became a No. 1 hit for Stories.

Subsequently, he became involved with The Beckies. Brown briefly reunited with the Left Banke at a New York performance in June 2013.

Brown died of heart failure on March 19, 2015 in Englewood, New Jersey.

He is survived by his wife Yvonne and sons Skylar and Adrian.

On June 25, 2019, The New York Times Magazine listed Michael Brown (rock musician) among hundreds of artists whose material was reportedly destroyed in the 2008 Universal fire.