Mario Jermaine Brown aka “Rio” is a notable, gifted, anointed, singer, and songwriter! He has the distinct ability to write songs of various genres and the ability to do so with timeliness and perfection. His music sends you on a journey and ultimately leads you to a place of truth within yourself. The music that he creates is well crafted, unique, and unduplicated. 

Mario Jermaine Brown was born and raised in the city of Milwaukee, WI. He is the son of Gerald Brown and Linda Byrd. He has 1 sister and 3 brothers, Charmaine Woods, Brandon Pharr, Jordan Pharr, and Jerdane Brown. He is married to Kenya Patterson-Brown and is the proud father of two children, Jae'min Miquel Brown, and Brooklyn J'Nae Brown! 

He began singing and playing the drums at the age of two. He grew up in the church "Greater New Life C.O.G.I.C", under the leadership of his grandfather, Rev. Joe Orr. It was at Greater New Life that his gift was cultivated. Here he was given the opportunity to grow and develop. He not only experienced spiritual growth but a musically artistic growth as well. He grew as an accomplished singer and musician. As a teenager his passion for music continued to get stronger. In search of more opportunities to make this great gift known and visible, “Rio” sang in different local groups. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Youth Choir, in which he led songs as they traveled throughout the US and Canada. 

He later joined the gospel group "New Creation", where he sang at various events, and discovered his gift as a songwriter. After that he became a member of an R&B group known as “Special Request”, who later became known as “Reign”. As a member and mentor, he was the principle songwriter/vocalist and arranged the majority of the music. “Reign” acquired a demo deal with Elektra Records and went on to record at Noontime, working with various artists and producers such as Jagged Edge, Brian M. Cox, Tank, Left Eye, Jazzy Pha, Teddy Bishop, Johntae Austin and Eddy "Gypsy" Stokes. 

Presently, he is pursuing his call and dream as an artist and a songwriter to deliver his message across the globe. He is the director of Music and Fine Arts at Parklawn Assembly Church of God under the leadership of Paster Walter Harvey.

Holding fast to the scripture text that declares “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men” (Proverbs 18:16 – KJV). Mario’s mission is to fulfill the purpose that God has placed over his life, to be all that God has created and called him to be. Glorifying God in all that he does and through the music that he creates. His passion is to change lives and lead people to Christ. He believes in the power of expectation! “When it's your time the door will open, everyone gets his or her opportunity at success”. When his opportunity comes he's going to take full advantage and emerge as one of the greatest artists and songwriters to ever live. His desire is to implant the music of MJB into the hearts of everyone! 

His hero is his mother who continues to believe and encourage him to never give up. His inspiration is his sister who continues to exemplify the true character of strength. His motivation is his beautiful wife and children who deserves everything that life has to offer. 

His musical influences include a wide range of artists… He credits his versatily to the likes of The Winans, Commissioned, Baby Face, Brian McKnight, Brandy, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Kirk Franklin, Israel Houghton, Richard Smallwood, David Frazier, and Fred Hammond. His goal is to spread his music globally and to please God with his work done here on earth.

After many broken promises and countless disappointments in the music industry he still dares to fulfill the call on his life and is determined to stop at nothing short of, "Song of The Year Award" goes to.......... Mario J. Brown!

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