NICKY BROWN
Songwriter
Nicky Brown is an acclaimed British songwriter, musician, composer, arranger, producer and musical director whose career spans gospel, soul, R&B, pop, theatre and television. Beginning as one of Britain’s leading gospel drummers, he developed into a multi-instrumentalist and influential figure within British music.
His career has included work connected with artists including Earth, Wind & Fire, Paul Weller and Stormzy, and musical direction for performers including Tom Jones, Beverley Knight, Jessie Ware and Emeli Sandé. In 2024, his work with Sandé took him to the Vatican’s Concerto di Natale, where he met Pope Francis.
Why Hackney Matters
Hackney has remained an important part of Nicky’s creative and professional life. He has lived in Clapton for over three decades and has maintained a studio at The Premises Studios in Hackney since its early days, working within a community of musicians, producers and songwriters. His Legacy Step also recognises that writers do not only create books: they write lyrics, melodies and music that become part of our cultural history.
Did You Know?
Following the 2011 riots, Nicky wrote and produced Everybody Dreams with children and staff from Gladesmore Community School, creating a song to raise young people’s aspirations and give them a collective voice. The track was mixed by Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart and reached No. 33 on the iTunes chart.