Derrick C. Brown
is a critically acclaimed comedian, poet, and storyteller whose innovative blend of art earned him Paste Magazine's Comedy Album of the Year in 2023. The New York Times celebrates his work as "a rekindling of faith in the weird, hilarious, shocking, beautiful power of words," capturing his unique ability blend comedy and poetry.
His latest album, "A Close Shave with Heaven," showcases Brown's ability to merge vulnerability with insight and silliness. As Paste Magazine notes, "Brown delves into his own grief in a way that's somehow sad and funny and ultimately insightful, all so he can show us 'how the sausage is made.' More than anything, though, 'A Close Shave with Heaven' leaves the listener with a newfound exuberance for the world around them."
A former paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne, Brown has performed at prestigious venues worldwide alongside comedy luminaries including David Cross, Eugene Mirman, Bob Odenkirk, Kristin Schaal, Jon Glaser, Kyle Kinane and H. Jon Benjamin. His notable appearances include San Francisco Sketchfest, Senses Working overtime podcast, This American life, Dan Savage, High Plains Comedy Festival, Helium in Portland, Good Heroin and multiple performances at Hot Tub with Kurt and Kristen.
"Derrick Brown makes the often unbearable art form of poetry a true, unexpected joy. I think there's a reasonable chance he is America's greatest living poet and you will enjoy his work."
- Eugene Mirman, Bob's Burgers
"Derrick's poems are so generous. Generous in their wit and honesty, mesmerizing fragments of vivid memories. Like sitting next to the most fascinating drunk stranger and hearing his tales. All of them are happily part of my life now."
- H. Jon Benjamin, Archer
"An enchanting combination of comedy and poetry"
- Rosalie Fleuren, TheaterKrant.nl
As the owner and president of Write Bloody Publishing, recognized by Forbes and Filter Magazine as "one of the best independent poetry presses in the country," Brown has established himself as a vital force in contemporary literature. He is the author of ten books of poetry and four children's books, and winner of the Texas Book of the Year award for Poetry.
For booking inquiries, contact writebloody@gmail.com
New vinyl available from Sub Pop / PGF Records
A Close Shave With Heaven
Winner of Paste Magazine's Album of the Year, 2023
"...Brown is also obviously not afraid to get vulnerable with his audience. The trope of the depressed, tortured stand-up is oft-repeated for a reason, and Brown delves into his own grief in a way that’s somehow sad and funny and ultimately insightful, all so he can show us “how the sausage is made.”
More than anything, though, A Close Shave with Heaven leaves the listener with a newfound exuberance for the world around them. Brown is a poet, a comedian, and, for those moments we listen to him, the wry voice of hope."
Testimonials
-
David Cross
Comedian and actor
"I wish I had written "Patience." I mean written it down on paper. I've thought it to myself several times in different countries, but now Derrick has re-earned my trust after initially losing it by naming his book, Scandalabra, with a pun." -
Eugene Mirman
Comedian and voice actor
"Derrick Brown makes the often unbearable art form of poetry a true, unexpected joy. I think
there's a reasonable chance he is America's greatest living poet and you will enjoy his work." -
H. Jon Benjamin
Comedian and voice actor
"Derrick’s poems, for me, are so generous. Generous in their wit and honesty, mesmerizing fragments of vivid memories. Like sitting next to the most fascinating drunk stranger and hearing his tales. All of them are happily part of my life now." -
Janet Fitch
Author of White Oleander
"Derrick Brown doesn't just report from the human condition, he sings it— capturing how it feels to be absolutely alive in poems that are simultaneously romantic, wacky, soulful, wounded and full of wonder." -
Someone's Dad
Retired
"Why don't his poems rhyme?" -
Joel Lovell
Deputy Editor of NYT Magazine
"There’s something that happens when you read Derrick Brown, a rekindling of faith in the weird, hilarious, shocking, beautiful power of words... When you read any of his work...or when you have the fantastic fortune to watch him perform it in person, you yourself are a bit more alive."
