There’s something special about summer in Detroit. After enduring long, unforgiving winters, the city comes alive as classic cars, convertibles, and automotive enthusiasts take to the streets. Nowhere is that energy more evident than along the legendary Woodward Avenue, where the annual Woodward Dream Cruise transforms the city into a celebration of automotive culture. Groove jazz guitarist dee Brown bottles that unmistakable feeling on his latest Innervision Records single, “Summer Cruise.”
Currently climbing the Billboard and Mediabase charts, “Summer Cruise” serves as the first preview of Brown’s upcoming album, Living The Good Life. The single continues his signature blend of smooth jazz, R&B, and heartfelt storytelling rooted in his Detroit upbringing.
Written and produced by fellow Innervision Records artist Blake Aaron, whose résumé includes nine Billboard No. 1 singles, “Summer Cruise” delivers exactly what its title promises. Built on a relaxed, funky groove with a retro go-go beat, the track evokes the freedom of warm evenings spent behind the wheel, windows down, music up, and nowhere in particular to be.
Brown’s expressive guitar work leads the way, supported by an all-star lineup of musicians. GRAMMY-winning bassist Mel Brown and drummer Michael White provide the irresistible rhythm section, while saxophonist Michael Parlett adds soulful melodies that complement Brown’s guitar. The production is elevated further by 13-time GRAMMY nominee Tyries Rolfe’s lush string arrangements and Carnell Harrell’s vibrant keyboard work, creating a rich sonic landscape that perfectly captures the joy of summer cruising.
The collaboration marks another successful partnership between Brown and Aaron, following their 2024 single “Wes 8Mile,” which appeared on Brown’s 2025 album Mister Smooth. Like its predecessor, “Summer Cruise” draws deeply from Detroit culture and the experiences that shaped Brown as both a musician and storyteller.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Brown shared that Aaron first introduced him to the song, believing it naturally fit his musical style. Brown immediately connected with the melody and groove, describing it as music that made him want to dance while celebrating the carefree spirit of summer.
For Brown, however, the song goes beyond great musicianship—it’s a tribute to home.
He says “Summer Cruise” reflects his Detroit roots, especially those warm summer evenings when drivers lower the tops on their convertibles and cruise Woodward Avenue. The annual Woodward Dream Cruise has grown into one of the world's largest automotive celebrations, attracting approximately one million spectators and more than 40,000 classic cars each year, making it the perfect inspiration for the song.
The accompanying music video brings that atmosphere to life, showcasing the vibrant street party and classic car culture that have made the Woodward Dream Cruise an iconic American tradition.
“Summer Cruise” arrives as another milestone in a career spanning nearly two decades. Since releasing his debut album, No Time To Waste, in 2007, Brown has steadily built a reputation as one of contemporary jazz’s standout guitarists. His albums Remembering You (2018) and Deep Secrets (2021) have each surpassed five million streams on Spotify, while Mister Smooth continued his chart success with multiple Billboard Top 30 singles.
Throughout his career, Brown has performed and collaborated alongside an impressive roster of legendary artists across jazz, R&B, and gospel, including George Benson, Al Jarreau, Stephanie Mills, Gerald Albright, Mindi Abair, Bob James, Brian Culbertson, Spyro Gyra, Najee, Jeffrey Osborne, Michael and BeBe Winans, and many more.
With “Summer Cruise,” dee Brown delivers more than another smooth jazz single—he delivers a musical postcard from Detroit, celebrating the city's resilience, rich automotive heritage, and the simple joy of taking the long way home on a warm summer night. As anticipation builds for Living The Good Life, the single offers an inviting glimpse of what's to come while reminding listeners that sometimes the best destination is simply the ride itself.
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