National Roller Derby League

We here at the National Roller Derby League are pleased to honor Richard Brown as our "Spotlight" individual.

Legend has it, Richard Brown earned the name "Little" for his 5'7" stature. Those who've watched "Little" Richard skate and those who've skated against him will easily tell you... "There's nothing little about 'Little' Richard!" Richard Brown, not only, can hot-dog around a track... but the man makes it look easy... TOO easy. Skating is his second nature! Nobody can do it quite like Richard Brown. This former T-Bird, at one time, is one of the most exciting skaters to ever grace a masonite track. Call him a Warrior, call him a Maniac, call him a Sundog, call him a Bomber. One thing you can never call him... is boring!

Richard Brown as a T-Bird

History

Beginning his roller-derby career as a Bay Area Bomber in 1964, Richard Brown instantly became a smash-hit and was soon recruited as a Philadelphia Warrior a year later. Even in 1968, he had to prove himself after crossing paths with our very own Lou "El Tigre" Sanchez! Sanchez, known as the "rough and rugged" coach of the Detroit Devils, ordered teammate Charley Mitchell to race against Richard Brown in a 10-lap match race... one being described as a test of "Brawn VS Speed." Brown, representing Coach Buddy Atkinson's Philly-based team, defeated Sanchez's skater in a tough and brutal battle. It was apparent that the heart of "Little" Richard Brown would carry him far. Brown later became immortalized on the silver screen as well, joining Raquel Welch and Jodie Foster when playing the role of himself in the 1972 release of "Kansas City Bomber." The film also had roller derby alumni, Ralphie Valladares and Ronnie "Psycho" Rains as notable skaters.

Richard Brown / Ray Robles confrontation! In 1989, "Little" Richard Brown competed in the revamped Figure-8 brand of roller-sports: "Rollergames." His role as the Maniac's team captain brought him an instant national fan following once again, leading such teammates as "Sunset" Stevie Santillian and "The Spider" Denise Green. At age 42, he was acclaimed as being one of the elite skaters for that league. His sure-footed stability on skates was a sight to behold for every fan watching. While most skaters during that time were having trouble just scaling the 14-foot high, 80-Degree banked "Wall of Death," Richard Brown was turning 360s on it seemingly for fun! "That wall intimidated everyone!" Georgia Hase once said. Apparently not "Little" Richard. While most skaters had trouble landing 6 points for clearing the "Jet Jump's" 12-foot marker, Richard Brown easily landed the distance... TWICE its length! His athleticism alone either rivaled or surpassed every skater, period. "Little" Richard, an excellent showman as well, would never be afraid to place his body on the line for the enjoyment of spectators. He was every bit an entertainer as he was a skater.

Richard Brown in 1999 10 years later, a man in his 50's (Although tapes tell a different story. Just look to the left.), he still rocked the televised roller-sport of "Roller Jam" as the headlining captain of the Florida Sundogs, and later as the captain of the Las Vegas Hot Dice. Brown's transition from the basic quad-style of roller-skate and into the style of in-line skates seemed seamless. He never lost a step, yet seemed to gain more! The versatility of Brown's skating style left people in awe, as he once again thrilled a whole new generation of roller-derby fan. In a style all his own, he linked old-school flavor with new-school presentation and once again captivated the at-home audiences much like he did in the past.

Today

Brown still continues to skate in the San Francisco area as a key-part of the Bay Bomber franchise. Do not be surprised to hear his name mentioned for an upcoming game. Always ready and always willing to skate toe-to-toe with the best skaters Roller Derby has to offer, "Little" Richard Brown still shows us never to underestimate the old-school brand of skating. As tough as nails, he's solidified his place among the world's most talented derby skaters. He will always be regarded as one of the greatest skaters of all time. Richard Brown, we tips our hats off to you.