Mike Brooks

b. Edmund Brooks, 1953, Westmoreland, Jamaica, West Indies. Brooks initially entered the recording industry in 1972, performing with an obscure band called the Tots. Their debut, ‘Earth Is The Fullness’, warranted limited attention and the members of the ensemble left to pursue solo careers. Recording as Mike Brooks, his solo career was the most distinguished. In 1977 with producer Alvin ‘GG’ Ranglin, he released ‘Guiding Star’, which led to a series of hits within the Jamaican community at home and abroad. Biding his time, he continued intermittently to release high-quality hits throughout the 70s and 80s, including ‘Who Have Eyes To See’ in combination with Prince Far I, alongside the solo hits ‘Come Sister Love’, ‘Grooving’, ‘Open The Door’ and the celebratory ‘What A Gathering’; the latter song utilized Leroy Smart’s ‘Ballistic Affair’ rhythm. This modicum of success led Brooks to the UK, where he joined the British Reggae Artists Famine Appeal as a featured vocalist on the charity single ‘Let’s Make Africa Green Again’. He continued recording while in the UK, notably with the Instigators for the lovers rock theme ‘Beyond The Hills’. In 1990 he teamed up with producer Glen Brown for an ill-advised project with Norwegian producers Otto and Frank Hestness. The Nordic team recorded digital rhythms that were overdubbed in London, unfortunately resulting in an incomprehensible mess. His 1995 release, Hardcore Lover, resulted in his exoneration, largely owing to notable combination tunes with Delroy Wilson and Pat Kelly.