Lorraine Kakazu
Misty Adana Browning, a local blues singer and songwriter whose music and performances inspired countless souls in the community of Sonoma and beyond, transitioned on December 31, 2021. She was 70 years old.
She was born Adana Aleyce Browning in Fort Worth, Texas on January 12, 1951. Misty’s father was a Methodist minister and her mother a pianist in the church he established in Temple, TX. so from a young age, Misty absorbed the hymns and gospel music of the small town church.
She sang in the Bethel Youth Choir with her sister, Calvalita, and her two cousins, performing pop hits at local talent shows. She also played trumpet in high school and was the drum majorette for the marching band of I.M. Terrell High School in Fort Worth, TX. Singing and songwriting became Misty’s focus and by the time she graduated high school, Misty had changed her name and was playing gigs in Austin and Los Angeles.
In 1970, Misty traveled to London as a member of the all-female group, The Flirtations. While living abroad, she performed throughout Europe, brushing shoulders with notables including Elon John and Paul McCartney. She performed with the band Quiet Fire and frequently recorded studio tracks in the burgeoning London music scene.
Upon her return to the states, Misty completed a degree in sociology at Texas Wesleyan University. She worked in broadcast media and as a certified schoolteacher in Dallas and later in Oakland, CA. But the music was a constant throughout her life.
A long-time vegetarian, Misty had an affinity for animals and began raising and breeding horses. She also had Weimaraners and Siamese cats. To Misty the animals were members of the family so when she relocated to Berkeley, CA where she had aunts and uncles from her mother’s side, the animals came too (Misty drove the truck).
In Berkeley, Misty could be heard performing around the Ashby BART station and was a regular at Subways Guitars. Misty ultimately settled in Glen Ellen, CA, where she could live on the same property as her animals.
Misty continued to perform in the Bay Area with a variety of blues bands and played acoustic guitar. She became known in the community for her soulful open-air performances in downtown Sonoma and surrounding areas. Her music and grand presence were infused with the spirit of her Texas roots. She was an engaging story teller who spoke of African-American heritage, and her lilting voice maintained power and youth, so captivating and emotive that even world famous musicians took note.
Friends remember Misty as a consummate, spontaneous performer. On one occasion, she arrived with others to a live show of musician Gwen Avery, singing her way from the entrance of the club, trading lyrics with Avery and singing in harmony while approaching the stage. This improvised duet drew a standing ovation.
Others recall Misty’s fierce independence and determination. At around age 60, Misty was thrown from the back of an untrained horse. She landed hard, but refused any help from friends running to her aid. Without assistance or even saddle, Misty cornered the horse and climbed back on – this time she succeeded, the horse complied.
In her later years, Misty talked often about returning to her native Texas. She never did get back but Misty found an everlasting home in the hearts of the many, far and wide.
Misty Adana Browning passed away from natural causes at her home in Glen Ellen, CA. She is survived by countless relatives and childhood friends including her sister Calvalita Browning, her cousins Martha Nan Smith of Temple, TX, Teresa Wilson-Mitchell of Fort Worth, TX, Stephen Jacob Browning of Waco, TX (and their respective families), and an extended family of friends, artists, and musicians whom she inspired. Misty is preceded in death by her father and mother and will be interred with her parents at Mount Zion Garden Of Memories in Temple, TX. She will be greatly missed.
