Ignacio "Nacio" Herb Brown (February 22, 1896 – September 28, 1964) was a renowned American composer celebrated for his contributions to popular music, film scores, and Broadway productions from the 1920s to the early 1950s.
Born in Deming, New Mexico, to Ignacio and Cora Brown, Nacio moved with his family to Los Angeles in 1901. He attended Manual Arts High School and began his musical journey under the guidance of his mother. Initially, he ventured into tailoring and later found success as a realtor, but his passion for music never waned. His career took off with the release of "Coral Sea" in 1920, followed by the major hit "When Buddha Smiles" in 1921, prompting him to dedicate himself fully to composition. He became a member of The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) in 1927.
In 1928, Nacio was recruited by MGM, where he composed for the emerging sound film industry, often collaborating with lyricist Arthur Freed. Their work is prominently featured in the classic film "Singin' in the Rain." He also showcased his talents in the MGM variety film "The Hollywood Revue of 1929." On Broadway, he teamed up with Richard A. Whiting and Buddy De Sylva for the musical "Take a Chance."
In addition to his film and stage work, Brown co-wrote the theme for the beloved children's television series "Hopalong Cassidy," which debuted in 1949. He passed away on September 28, 1964, in San Francisco, surrounded by his children, Nacio Jan Brown and Candace Nacio Brown.
