Established majority stock ownership in Kentucky Colonels team of American Basketball Association and became head of team's 5-woman governors board (1973); received Kentucky Woman of the Year Award (1973). Brown Jr. laid to rest", "Campaign Notes; Former Governor Enters Kentucky Senate Race", "Kissin', but Not Cousins, John Y. and Phyllis George Aim to Do Kentucky Up Brown", "Celtics for Braves: It's Not Chopped Liver for Levin", "Former Ky. governor files for third divorce", "McBreyer Hits Brown on Voting, Finances", "Brown Now Sole Owner Snyder Sells His Share of the Braves", "John Y. and Phillis Kentucky-Fried Style", "Kentucky Governor Ponders Political Future", Democratic nominee for Governor of Kentucky, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Y._Brown_Jr.&oldid=1142741920, This page was last edited on 4 March 2023, at 03:26. Born Eleanor Bennett Durrall, Feb 11, 1940, in Central City, KY; m. John Y. [67][68] Later that year, he married former Mrs. Kentucky Jill Louise Roach, 27 years his junior, but they divorced in 2003 for reasons not released. Grandmother with dementia died from face wound neglected by staff for days. Brown Jr., who built the Kentucky Fried Chicken empire and was elected governor of Kentucky in 1979. A 1976 People magazine cover featured a smiling photo of her with the headline, "An ex-Miss America becomes TV's first lady of the locker room.". Attained Stardom at CBS Every day was an exciting adventure for him. [46] The state had expected to cover the cost of the repairs using federal revenue sharing funds, but President Jimmy Carter ordered a halt to the funds in May 1980. Of his refusal, Brown stated "I don't respect him. Reach Deborah Yetter at dyetter@courier-journal.com or 502-582-4228. During her time on the show, George also had more than her share of intriguing interviews with some of the games big-name players. A prodigious Democratic fund-raiser, Mr. Brown, a son of a former Kentucky congressman and state legislator, initially flirted with a political career, considering a run for the United States Senate before deciding against it at the last minute and then gauging a bid for governor in 1975 before again declining to join the race. But McBrayer said he drew the line at donating to George's effort to renovate the Governor's Mansion. Brown Jr., the dashing multimillionaire who built Kentucky Fried Chicken into an international success, then won Kentucky's governorship in a whirlwind campaign with his celebrity . John Y. George, in a Courier Journal interview, gaveBrown the credit for his win though she acknowledged she may have helped boost his confidence. Brown was governor of Kentucky from 1979 to 1983 and is credited with making KFC a worldwide and household name. Brown died at the age of 88, and people say his legacy is running the state as a business, owning several sports teams and how he took Kentucky Fried Chicken to new heights from a simple purchase with other investors. [55], Some of Brown's associates were involved with a Lexington cocaine and gun-smuggling ring called "The Company". [31] Four hours later, he acquired Nate "Tiny" Archibald from the New York Nets for George Johnson and a first-round draft pick in 1979. He served as the 55th governor of Kentucky from 1979 to 1983, although he may be best known for building Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) into a multimillion-dollar restaurant chain. GENRE: Poetry "Phyllis was a fighter and her children have shown her incredible love during this struggle. Brown Jr. Kentuckians have known CNN reporter Pamela Brown since before she was born. But when he was blocked from moving the Braves to Louisville, Ky., Mr. Brown and a partner made a deal with the Boston Celtics ownership to swap the teams. Though it would later end in divorce, the marriage of the handsome couplewith "his and her matching dimples" brought a splash of celebrity and national attention to the race that swept Browninto office as Kentucky's 55th governor. "Former Governor Enters Kentucky Senate Race". While Brown served as governor from 1979 to 1983, his business ventures, sports ownerships and marriage to former Miss America Phyllis George are what he might be remembered for most. Kentucky Gov. Where can I watch the entire Dragon Ball series for free. [6], In 1991, Brown formed a partnership with recording artist Kenny Rogers, co-founding and serving as CEO of Kenny Rogers Roasters, an international chain of wood-roasted chicken restaurants. All rights reserved. [23] Colonels general manager Mike Storen felt that this was a sign that Brown was going to run the team "his way" and left the team as a result; two months later, he accepted the job of ABA league commissioner. [65] Brown then took Roasters public and grew it to a chain of more than 1,000 restaurants before selling his interest in the franchise to the Malaysia-based Berjaya Group in 1996. John Young Brown Jr. (December 28, 1933 - November 22, 2022) was an American politician, entrepreneur, and businessman from Kentucky. He served as the 55th governor of Kentucky from 1979 to 1983, although he may be best known for building Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) into a multi-million dollar restaurant chain. [13] Brown sold the Lum's chain for $9.5million to Friedrich Jahn's Wienerwald holding group in 1978. John Sr. was a trial lawyer who served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives in the mid-1930s and was a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives for several decades. Joseph Emerson Brown eventAction: 'render' In July 1986, Reynolds announced the sale of KFC to PepsiCo for $850 million (around US$2.0 billion in 2020). [2] Brown and George had two children, Lincoln Tyler George Brown and Pamela Ashley Brown. In addition to the MLA, Chicago, and APA styles, your school, university, publication, or institution may have its own requirements for citations. nineteenth century governor of the same name, "Ollie is Now a General in the P.R. and what I think he was adept at selling was the state, Former congressman Ben Chandler said. Before there was ever an Erin Andrews, Samantha Ponder, Michele Tafoya, Linda Cohn, or Hannah Storm, there was the original Phyllis George. [46] First lady Phyllis Brown organized a group called "Save the Mansion" to raise private funds to offset the repair costs. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotOnload', function(event) { He attempted to keep accurate records of his father's disorganized business proceedings in the 1840s and became a teacher later in life. hitType: 'event', His most controversial appointment was Frank Metts, his secretary of transportation. Hobbled by a recession, Mr. Brown compiled a mixed record as the states chief executive. Her father, then-Gov. [8] Brown eventually sold his interest in the team to co-owner Harry Mangurian in 1979. [49] McAnulty resigned his post as secretary of the state's Justice Cabinet within one month, saying the position would keep him from spending enough time with his family. [53] He had no pulse for a period of time, and one of his lungs partially collapsed. [47], Difficult economic times marked Brown's term in office. Brown Jr., a born salesman who became a multimillionaire by transforming Kentucky Fried Chicken into a global brand and then sold himself to voters in a six-week TV blitz to become Kentuckys governor, serving one term, died on Monday in Lexington, Ky. [39] Consequently, many of his legislative recommendations were not enacted. Brown Jr., a onetime owner of Kentucky Fried Chicken who parlayed his fast-food fortune into a dramatic rise in Kentucky politics, winning one term as governor shortly after. John Y. Terry McBrayer, a Democrat who had lost to John, also spoke of Phyllis saying, "She won it for him, there's no doubt about that. ga('ads.send', { [6] Among his failed proposals were a multi-county banking law, a flat rate income tax, professional negotiations for teachers, and a constitutional amendment to allow a governor to be elected to successive terms. What is the downstream petrochemical industry? Brown Jr. turned Kentucky Fried Chicken Inc. into one of the largest fast-food operations in the world. All rights reserved. [67] After Brown reportedly cut off much of his wife's financial support, she filed a second divorce petition in 1997, this time in Broward County, Florida where her husband was living at the time. [47] Metts broke with political tradition in Kentucky, announcing that contracts would be awarded on the basis of competitive bids and performance rather than political patronage. Former Kentucky Gov. if(document.querySelector("#google_image_div")){ Brown Jr. is a famous Governor of Kentucky. In 1975, George was hired as a reporter and co-host . John Sr. was named for, but not related to, the nineteenth century governor of the same name. In 1987, he sought the gubernatorial nomination again but came in second in the Democratic primary. [70], In late 2006, Brown partnered with actress Suzanne Somers to open a do-it-yourself meal preparation store called Suzanne's Kitchen. John Y. Brown Jr. laid to rest, One dead after tree falls onto car in Lexington, Chris Baileys Forecast | Potential for tornadoes to spin up across the area, Lexington asking residents to report property damage. Despite having previously shown little inclination toward politics, Brown surprised political observers by declaring his candidacy for governor in the 1979 election. [27] It was one of her very few film roles. Brown Sr., Brown's talent for business became evident in college, where he made a substantial amount of money selling Encyclopdia Britannica sets. They used to say, Behind every strong man there's a strong woman. Well, I like to say,Besideevery strong man there's a strong woman.'". [38] The center is named in honor of Harland Sanders and Brown's father. During the campaign, George told The Courier Journal that she became known as the "small-talk queen," because of her ease withthe local people. Although George was considered a pretty face in the male-only business, she held her own each telecast bantering back and forth with Musburger and Cross during the popular pre-game show. ." Brown served as the commonwealth's 55th governor . In the midst of her passing, her ex-husband former Governor John Y Brown Jr revealed the type of relationship the duo shared while they were married giving us a bit of insight into their time together. 1977); m. Robert Moore; children: 3, including John Young Brown III (Kentucky Secretary of State ). She was an incredible first lady for Kentucky. Though his political career was brief, after storming to victory with a former Miss America by his side, he made millions after selling the fried chicken chain. Switched to FOX }) [41] Nevertheless, Brown won the primary by a margin of 25,000 votes. She was also a founding member of the Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship. ga('create', 'UA-67136960-15', 'auto', 'ads'); [75] He had been dealing with health complications derived from COVID-19 since the summer. Brown lies in state at Kentucky Capitol", "Memorial service held for former Ky. Gov. "[53] Scandal did touch Brown personally, however, as well as some of his close associates. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. The couple barnstormed the state by helicopter on a "honeymoon campaign," according to The Courier Journal, a race that attracted widespread national attention. [2] After high school, Brown matriculated at the University of Kentucky, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1957 and a law degree in 1960. [6] Brown defeated former Republican governor Louie Nunn in the 1979 general election by a vote of 588,088 to 381,278. Beshear says flags will be flown at half staff at all state office buildings until sunset on the day of Brown's interment. } "But he's a little shy.". Joe Runci/The Boston Globe, via Getty Images. Neither he nor any of his people were accused of corruption. He was a sound steward of the commonwealths resources, but he was not a leader who proposed new programs in areas such as education or human resources, Mary K. Bonsteel Tachau and Bruce L. McClure wrote in Kentuckys Governors (1985). ", In New York, after appearing in commercials and some minor roles, George's first major break was as a commentator withCBS Sports. pg.acq.push(function() { Why am I so emotional in my second trimester? "To us, she was the most incredible mother we could ever ask for, and it is all of the defining qualities the public never saw, especially against the winds of adversity, that symbolize how extraordinary she is more than anything else. What does Lo Debar represent in the Bible? "[44] The report went on to say that the mansion was a virtual firetrap. Former Kentucky Gov. Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. 38years (November 29, 1983)Pamela Brown / Age. }); While Phyllis George became a fixture on Sunday morning television in households across the country during the 1974 NFL season, it was three years earlier George caught the nations attention when she was crowned Miss America. [47] Despite cutting personnel from the department, Metts doubled the miles of road that were resurfaced. On Buzzlearn.com, John is listed as a successful Politician who was born in the year of 1933. [33] Boston sent Freeman Williams, Kevin Kunnert, and Kermit Washington to the Braves for "Tiny" Archibald, Billy Knight, and Marvin Barnes. Yes, John Y. Phyllis George/Divorce dates. eventAction: 'click_ads' Her connection with Kentucky runs deep," Beshearsaid in the tweet. Mr. Brown then bought a half interest in the Buffalo Braves of the N.B.A., a former expansion team. Stouffer, "A High Stakes Game of Chicken". Brown Jr., the former Democratic governor of Kentucky, has died at age 88. His sports ventures did not gain him many fans. [5][6] As an undergraduate, he was a member of the golf team and Phi Delta Theta fraternity. [50] He also appointed Viola Davis Brown as Executive Director of the Office of Public Health Nursing in 1980, she was the first African-American nurse to lead a state office of public health nursing in the United States. Phyllis Ann George death: How the Miss America's 'glamor' helped husband John Y Brown Jr become governor in 1979. Fmr. In 1971, Heublein Inc. acquired KFC for $285 million. document.querySelector("#google_image_div").addEventListener('click',function(){ He lost perennial races for governor and the U.S. Senate losses that haunted his son and which John Jr. later blamed on machine politicians whose support his father had spurned. John wants me to do all these things, she told The New York Times, and you can't expect a person like me who's been an achiever to stay in the background. Then, copy and paste the text into your bibliography or works cited list. Brown will perhaps be remembered best as a restaurant magnate who built Kentucky Fried Chicken into a. As you know, he came in and did a lot of things differently, said former governor Martha Layne Collins. In 1971, Brown sold his interest in KFC to Heublein for $284million (equivalent to $1,900,256,368 in 2021). window.googletag.cmd.push(function() { In 1979, however, recently wed to Phyllis George, a pioneering sportscaster and former Miss America, Mr. Brown plunged into a six-week television campaign for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination and defeated several candidates by a plurality of just under 30 percent. National Governors Association. Wilson. [6] In all, Brown was out of the state leaving Lieutenant Governor Martha Layne Collins as acting governor for more than five hundred days during his four-year term. Brown Jr. has died in Lexington after an illness. Because he was an adjustment. ", "John Y. During the yearslong effort, the couple spentmost of Brown's term living at their Cave Hill mansion in Lexington. [1][6] He served as legal counsel for Paul Hornung when Hornung was suspended for the 1963 National Football League season for gambling. [2] The investment group changed the restaurant's format from the diner-style restaurant envisioned by Sanders to a fast-food take out model. After Brown was elected, George convinced him to start a craft marketing initiative within state government and used her celebrity statusto promote the products. Some 30 years after his retirement from professional football, Hall-of-F, Joseph Emerson Brown John Y. DIED: 1889, Venice, Italy Colonel Sanders sold the business in 1964 for $2 million and continued to collect a salary for his work as the face of the brand. "The 1979 New York Times article also spoke of how the duo had met saying that "The Browns first met two years ago at a professional football playoff game in Minneapolis, where they were introduced by the oddsmaker Jimmy (the Greek) Snyder. [28], After folding the Colonels, Brown stated that basketball was not the kind of business he wanted to be involved in. [51] He also required competitive bids from banks where state funds were deposited; the extra interest generated by this process generated an additional $50million in revenue to the general fund.