The Browns, a country and folk music vocal trio from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, consisted of Jim Ed Brown, his older sister Maxine Brown, and younger sister Bonnie Brown. Initially, Jim Ed Brown and Maxine Brown signed a record contract as a duo in 1954 and garnered nationwide attention with their self-penned song "Looking Back to See", which reached the top 10 on the charts. The following year, Bonnie Brown joined the group, and they began performing on country music show Louisiana Hayride. In 1956, producer Si Siman signed them with RCA Victor, leading to major hits like "I Take the Chance" and "I Heard the Bluebirds Sing". Their biggest success came in 1959 with "The Three Bells", which topped both the Billboard Hot 100 pop and country charts. The song was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Group or Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards. In 1963, they became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Jim Ed Brown began a solo career in 1965, which ultimately eclipsed the trio's recordings. The Browns officially disbanded in 1967. Jim Ed Brown died from lung cancer on 11 June 2015; Bonnie Brown passed away on 16 July 2016; and Maxine Brown died on 21 January 2019. The Browns were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in March 2015.
