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Braun's mother was a self-taught pianist and banjoist. Braun played drums in high school, then followed his brother in playing the trumpet.[2] In the 1970s, he attended the Eastman School of Music, and while a student there became a member of a jazz-fusion band, Auracle.[1][3] The band worked with producer Teo Macero, and Braun co-produced the second album.

During the 1980s, he entered the pop music world. He released an album in Japan as a singer, then worked as a songwriter for Lorimar (Warner Chappell). He wrote the song "Here with Me" with REO Speedwagon, and it became a top twenty hit.[1][3] When he returned to the trumpet, he worked as a studio musician and touring member with Crowded House, Natalie Cole, Glenn Frey, Tom Petty, Sade, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, and War.[