E019 - Sugar Brown (Modern Blues Musician)

Ken Chester Kawashima, who is also known by his stage name, Sugar Brown, is a Toronto modern blues musician, singer and songwriter. 

Inspired by his heroes -- Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter and Jimmy Reed -- Sugar Brown learned to sing, as well as play the guitar and harmonica, while studying at the University of Chicago. 

He would continue to hone his craft, performing at small clubs along the West Side until he left the city to pursue his Ph.D in history. 

By day, Ken is an Associate Professor of East Asian Studies at the University of Toronto. By night, he performs as Sugar Brown at venues across the country and is set to release his third album next spring.

Spotify Playlist

Featuring: Kool & The Gang, Talking Heads, John Hammond, The J. Geils Band, The Velvet Underground, Tom Waits, R.E.M., Bob Dylan, Fugazi, Bad Brains, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., Jimmy Rogers, Elmore James, Jimmy Reed, Howlin' Howlf, Sonny Boy Willians, Eddie Taylor, John Lee Hooker, Tail Dragger, Boston Black & Otis 'Big Smokey' Smothers, Little Walter, and Muddy Waters.