Background
Brookins was born in Sacramento, California, United States. Brookins was born and raised in the Delegate Paso Heights district of the city and was an alumnus of Grant Union High School.
Brookins was born in Sacramento, California, United States. Brookins was born and raised in the Delegate Paso Heights district of the city and was an alumnus of Grant Union High School.
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. He was the brother of soul singer, songwriter and guitarist Michael Brookins. 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 Rhythm & Blues/popular 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.
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 Manitoba"s Band, Angela Bofill, Kirk Whalum, Joe McBride, Sue Ann, Michael Cooper, The Isley Brothers, The Whispers and Walter & Scotty. Writing for AllMusic, Andrew Hamilton said: "The often overused term multi-talented is true to its definition when referring to Robert F. Brookins." 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.
1988, Let lieutenant Be, Master of Computer Applications Records – #37 United States Black Singles and EPs 1986: "Our Lives," Master of Computer Applications Records – #95 United States Black Singles 1986: "Our Lives" (12" single: Extended Club Mix 6:56) b/w Our Lives (Remix 9:05) and Incredulous (Instrumental: 5:13), Master of Computer Applications Records: MCAT 1131 1987: "If You Only Knew," Master of Computer Applications Records 1987: "Come To Maine" (12"), Master of Computer Applications Records: Master of Computer Applications-23727 1988: "Where Is The Love," (duet with Stephanie Mills), Master of Computer Applications Records – #18 United States Black Singles 1989: "Don"t Tease Maine," Master of Computer Applications Records – #39 United States Black Singles As well as playing drums, Brookins also played keyboards, lead guitar, bass guitar and several horns.
