Elkie Brooks: The British Queen of the Blues

Elkie Brooks is a British singer who has been performing for over five decades. She is best known for her powerful vocals and her soulful renditions of classic songs. Brooks has released 20 studio albums and has toured extensively throughout the world. She has won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards.

Brooks was born Elaine Bookbinder in Broughton, Salford, England, in 1945. She began singing at a young age and was influenced by a wide range of musical genres, including blues, jazz, and rock. She formed her first band, The Blue Moon Band, in 1960. In 1964, she joined the band Dada, which released two albums before disbanding in 1967.

In 1969, Brooks joined the band Vinegar Joe. The band released three albums before disbanding in 1974. Brooks then began her solo career, and her debut album, Rich Man's Woman, was released in 1975. The album was a commercial success, and Brooks has continued to release albums and tour regularly ever since.

Brooks is known for her powerful vocals and her soulful renditions of classic songs. She has recorded a wide range of material, including blues, jazz, rock, and pop. Her most famous songs include "Pearls a Singer," "Sunshine After the Rain," and "No More the Fool." Brooks has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, and Van Morrison.

Brooks is a highly respected singer who has been performing for over five decades. She is a true icon of British music, and her music continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world.