Hand #357 Meet "Hookman" Brown Songwriter and Musician

Hookman Brown

I went to pick up our racing packets for this weekend’s race and pulled in the parking lot.  The attendant came out, greeted me with a compliment, a smile and handed me a ticket.  As I walked through the shops, picked up our race numbers and headed back to the car, I could not resist the urge to talk with the parking attendant further. There was a special kindness about him… he had a servants heart. Like a superhero, he intrigued me….

After introducing myself I asked, “If you could be any superhero, who would you be?”  He said “Growing up in Texas City, Texas I read Flash Comics ~ Super Speed.  As a superhero, I would be invisible, fly over, looking below at all that’s going on.” As he spoke a slight smile slowly came over his face. “Super Speed” was what the flash comic possessed. With that said, I was not surprised to learn that this man loves cars. He is the proud owner of two collector cars and is working on buying another. 

Born without a left arm, he was fitted with a prosthetic at the age of 11. For the next 6 years he was cared for by the Shriners, as he grew, they would refit him with a new prosthetic arm. Back then, the hook prosthetic was available. Voluntary opening split hook systems are simple, convenient, light, robust, versatile and relatively affordable. Hooks obviously do not match human hand in both appearance and overall versatility. As technology changed over the years, he preferred to stay with the hook prosthetic. He and those around him were comfortable with this type. He worked outside as a surveyor and the new prosthetics with hands, made with a soft cover, was not as durable and would be difficult and costly to maintain.

Meet Mr. Frank Brown. People call him “Hook”. He’s also well known here in Houston’s music community as “Hookman" Brown the musician. Passion poured out as he talked about writing music and performing. His lack of an arm and hand does not keep him from enjoying life and all it has to offer. “I’m at peace inside. Nothing gets me stirred up.” He said. Hook is a father, grandfather and works two jobs. He is one busy man! Hook is living proof that having faith in yourself, your gifts and talents, your purpose, follow your heart. Hook has created and lives a life with JOY despite his disability.






Hookman Brown, Houston TX, Songwriter and Musician