Mr. Brickman was born August 25, 1939 in Rio de Janeiro to Abram Brickman and Pauline (Wolin) Brickman. The family moved to New York during World War II, and Mr. Brickman grew up in Flatbush. He was interested in music as a young man, and played guitar in the folk group The Tarriers, as well as banjo in the trio New Journeymen. Mr. Brickman attended the University of Wisconsin, and graduated with degrees in music and science.