Denise J. Brown on Buffalo, Big Deals, and Black Music

Denise J. Brown on Buffalo, Big Deals, and Black Music

From Mixed and Mastered by Jeffrey Sledge

May 15, 2026 · 47 min · Season 1 · Episode 54

About this episode

Dr. Denise J. Brown shares her journey from pianist to entertainment attorney and her experiences in the music industry.

Dr. Denise J. Brown joins Jeffrey Sledge on Mixed and Mastered to share her journey from classically trained pianist in Buffalo to entertainment attorney and dealmaker. Denise reflects on working alongside Reginald Lewis on Wall Street, being mentored by Kendall Minter, running the Black Music division at Warner Bros., and a memorable night riding through London with Prince. She also opens up about her path to becoming an ordained minister and Dr. of Biblical Studies, and her work teaching the next generation at NYU's Clive Davis Institute. This is Mixed and Mastered with Denise J. Brown. Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. Catch all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod and for early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+ at https://www.wearemerrickstudios.com/plus.

People in this episode

Host: Jeffrey Sledge

Guest: Denise J. Brown

Topics covered

  • Black music
  • Entertainment law
  • Mentorship
  • Personal journey
  • Cultural commentary

Keywords

  • Black music
  • entertainment attorney
  • mentorship
  • Warner Bros.
  • NYU
  • Buffalo
  • London
  • classically trained pianist

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Warner Bros., NYU's Clive Davis Institute

Places: Buffalo, London

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