Robert Brookins
Robert Franklin Brookins (October 7, 1962 – April 15, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, producer and keyboardist. He was best known for his work with mainstream pop and jazz/funk bands Earth, Wind & Fire and The Stanley Clarke Band,[1] but also with soul/funk band Afterbach which he led with his brother Michael.
Early years
Brookins was born in Sacramento, California, US. He was singing at the age of four, drumming at five, playing keyboards at nine, and performing in his own band, Little Robert & the Fondeles, at the age of 11. The band won Motown's 1974 Soul Search Contest.[2] Brookins was born and raised in the Del Paso Heights district of the city and was an alumnus of Grant Union High School.[3]
He was the brother of soul singer, songwriter and guitarist Michael Brookins.
Professional performer and studio musician
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In Our Lives
 An audio sample of "In Our Lives" (released 1986) |
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Probably best known for his drumming and production duties with Earth, Wind & Fire, Brookins also had a successful solo career.
He worked with some of the world's biggest black R&B/pop music groups, including writing, producing, performing and collaborating with such artists as Nancy Wilson, Kim Basinger, Dale Bozzio, Jackie Jackson (on his 1989 solo album Be the One) and Janet Jackson.[2][3][4]
The lists of artists who recorded Brookins' songs, often co-written with Tony Haynes, included The Reddings, Bobby Brown, Stephanie Mills, Deniece Williams, George Howard, Roy Ayers, George Duke, Wayman Tisdale, Keisha Jackson, Everette Harp, The Newtrons, Mystery Man's Band, Angela Bofill, Kirk Whalum, Joe McBride, Sue Ann, Michael Cooper, The Isley Brothers, The Whispers and Walter & Scotty.
Death and legacy
Writing for AllMusic, Andrew Hamilton said: "The often overused term multi-talented is true to its definition when referring to Robert F. Brookins."[2]
Brookins died on April 15, 2009 of a heart attack. He was survived by a son.
Since his death an annual tribute event has been held in his honour.[5]
Solo recordings
Albums
- 1986, In The Night, MCA Records
- 1988, Let It Be Me, MCA Records – #37 US Black Albums[6]
- 2002, Something You Can Make Love To, MusicSoft Works
Singles and EPs
- 1986: "Our Lives," MCA Records – #95 US Black Singles[6]
- 1986: "Our Lives" (12" single: Extended Club Mix 6:56) b/w Our Lives (Remix 9:05) and Incredulous (Instrumental: 5:13), MCA Records: MCAT 1131
- 1987: "If You Only Knew," MCA Records
- 1987: "Come To Me" (12"), MCA Records: MCA-23727
- 1988: "Where Is The Love," (duet with Stephanie Mills), MCA Records – #18 US Black Singles[6]
- 1989: "Don't Tease Me," MCA Records – #39 US Black Singles[6]
Instruments
As well as playing drums, Brookins also played keyboards, lead guitar, bass guitar and several horns.
References
- ↑ Ginell, Richard S. "Stanley Clarke – Find Out!". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
- 1 2 3 Hamilton, Andrew. "Robert Brookins – Artist Biography". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
- 1 2 "Remembering Sacramento Native, Robert F. Brookins". Sac Cultural Club. April 15, 2013. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
- ↑ Sanders, Charles L. (July 1989). "Sounding Off – The Best in Recorded Music". Ebony. 44 (9). ISSN 0012-9011.
- ↑ "Always Remembered: Robert F. Brookins Black Music Month Celebration". Sacramento365. June 1, 2013. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 "Robert Brookins – Awards". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved October 20, 2014.