Origins, 1951–1969

Abstract

This chapter illustrates how Larry Brown emerged from a troubled, working-class background, and how he rose to success through a combination of personal determination and talent, clear insight into what makes us human, and the support of the strong, ambitious women in his life. Except for his ten years in Memphis and two years in the marines, Brown lived in Tula or Yocona for virtually all of his life. The Brown family also had deep roots in Lafayette County. Even in Brown’s early years, the family’s lack of money and his father’s alcoholism posed constant problems. The family lived in Lafayette County until Brown was three years old. The family found life in Memphis a little better than life in Mississippi, although Brown’s mother Leona recalled receiving considerable help from family members.