Bay Area Rallies Support for Cherished Singer Tammi Brown Amid Cancer Battle

Tammi Brown, a beloved figure in the Bay Area music scene, has been facing a serious health challenge. Not long ago, she experienced breathlessness and decided to seek medical help. It was then that the versatile Santa Cruz vocalist, who has graced many stages in the realms of jazz, rock, gospel, and soul, discovered she had stage 4 lung cancer.

The frightening diagnosis came with a dismal outlook; she was told she had only days, not months, to live. Reflecting on the sudden passing of her brother the previous year, Brown braced for the worst. However, she has since been resiliently battling the disease through chemotherapy and, astonishingly, has resumed singing. She recently joined the stage with Bobby McFerrin’s Motion, signaling a remarkable comeback.

Her health improvement is not only physically evident, as she no longer has trouble breathing, but also therapeutically felt when she sings. With one more chemotherapy session scheduled, Brown is hopeful about her return to regular performances with Motion.

The music community has responded to Brown’s ordeal with an outpouring of support. Bobby McFerrin’s team initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with her medical and live-out expenses, successfully raising close to $71,000 towards a $90,000 goal. Her profound impact was also evident as friends and fans rallied around her, planning benefits to show their support and raise funds.

A special fundraiser at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center is set to feature a range of musicians Brown has worked with over the years. From jazz guitar legend Stanley Jordan to gospel group Tanya Fitzgerald & Broken People, and her fellow Motion vocalists forming the a cappella quartet Attune, the roster is a testament to Brown’s rich musical legacy. Additionally, the Lauren Monroe Band, featuring Def Leppard’s Rick Allen, is among the acts showcasing their solidarity.

Another event at Hidden Valley in Carmel Valley includes a distinct lineup of musicians and friends dedicated to supporting Brown’s cause. The sense of community and willingness to help has been overwhelming, with many more artists expressing their desire to contribute.

The generosity has extended beyond financial assistance; personal acts of support have been a great comfort to Brown. Lifelong friends and even celebrities like Rick Allen have made compassionate gestures to aid in her recovery journey. As for insurance, like many independent artists, Brown’s coverage was limited, making the community’s support even more crucial.

Brown’s roots in music run deep in the Bay Area. Having moved to Santa Cruz in the late 1990s, she’s become an integral part of the local scene and frequently refers to the Kuumbwa Jazz Center as her home away from home. The mutual love between her and the community is evident in the response to her illness.

support, community, recovery