Music

Two Bass Hit: Ray Brown at 100 with Christian McBride and John Clayton

WBGO | By Sarah Geledi,

Simon Rentner

Published October 13, 2026 at 9:48 PM MDT

Ray Brown (left) and Christian McBride (right) in 1993

Christian McBride and John Clayton celebrate the centennial of their mentor, the legendary bassist Ray Brown, with stories and music.

Ray Brown was born 100 years ago, on Oct. 13, 1926. In a career spanning nearly six decades, he played alongside Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker as bebop took shape, spent 15 years in the Oscar Peterson Trio and appeared on more than 2,000 recordings. He also mentored generations of musicians, including two bassists he called his "sons": John Clayton and Jazz Night host Christian McBride. In this episode, Christian talks with his "big brother" John to pay tribute to Ray.

Credits:

Writers and Producers: Sarah Geledi and Simon Rentner; Executive Producer: Steven A. Williams; Executive Producer at NPR Music: Suraya Mohamed; Executive Director of NPR Music: Sonali Mehta; Host: Christian McBride.