Ernest Brown

Home parties were an important part of the Lakeland social scene. In this circa 1964 photograph, Lakelander Ernest Brown, left, a former member of the Ink Spots, the popular vocal group of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, and saxophonist Samuel Hollomand treat guests to a jam session. The party took place in the recreation room of the James Weems family.

A member of the nationally known singing group the Ink Spots, Lakeland native Ernest Brown played guitar and contributed tenor vocals. On October 12, 1952, he was with the group when they appeared as guests on the iconic “Ed Sullivan Show.” Brown was one of the younger sons of early Lakeland resident Pleasant Brown.