Career
He discovered a singing voice at a young age and recorded a few minor hits with several small record labels under the stage names Johnny Jordan, Dick Bush (which sole single "Hollywood Party" was his first for Era), and Johnny Faire, the latter gaining some sales with "Bertha Lou" in early 1959, while a cover version by Clint Miller charted nationally. Called "Li"l Sweetheart," it received a lukewarm reception, but his March 1960 hit single, "Mission Bell" on Era Records demonstrated a quality voice in an upbeat song that peaked at Number. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
His follow-up, "Doll House"/"Round Robin" (a double-sided hit single with a color picture sleeve on Era Records) peaked at Number.
31 in December 1960. According to a 2006 concert at Sherman Indian High School, Riverside, California posted on youtube.com, Brooks revealed that he was the voice of the opening theme to the cartoon series George of the Jungle. In 1971, Brooks played the role of Christ in the rock opera "Truth of Truths" for Oak Records.
The record was produced by Ray Ruff, who previously worked for American Broadcasting Company-Paramount, Happy Tiger and Dot. Brooks toured with other performers from the early rock and roll era in oldies revival shows.
Donnie had 5 children, Tony, Steve, Cathy, Saji, and Shad.
All are still living. Brooks died of a heart attack following a long illness on February 23, 2007. He was 71. There was a special memorial service and rockabilly show in his honor on Sunday, March 26, 2007 at the Elks Lodge in Burbank, California.