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12 Courses • 3 StudentsBiography
Bobby Brooks Producer | Engineer | Mixer | Educator
Bio: Bobby Brooks, a multifaceted talent in the realms of music production, engineering, and mixing, emerged as a prominent figure in the 1980s R&B scene. Over an impressive 36-week stretch, albums under Brooks's recording or mixing expertise claimed the top five spots on Billboard Magazine's R&B Charts, establishing him as one of the most sought-after engineers and mixers globally.
During this influential period, Brooks collaborated with musical luminaries such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, Third World, Black Sabbath, Def Leppard, Tina Turner, Ice T & Body Count, P. O. D., Heavy D., MC Lyte, Aaliyah, Brandy, Michelle N'degliocello, Common, Snoop Dogg, and P. Diddy. Together, they shaped the sonic landscape of popular music for an entire generation.
Bobby's journey into the world of sound began at the age of 9 when he received his first tape recorder, a 3-inch Realistic reel-to-reel, as a gift from his father stationed in Panama in the '60s. By age 18, he relocated to Chicago, where his passion for sound recording led him to experiment with local musicians, mastering the intricacies of interfacing various instruments with his recording system. Bobby's innate talent, self-taught skills, and unbridled ambition earned him his initial break in the record business at the renowned "Universal Recording Corp" in Chicago. Over the next three years, he immersed himself in the studio, contributing to projects for artists like Inez Andrews, Stan Kenton Orchestra, The Ohio Players, The Blues Brothers Movie, Peabo Bryson, Ramsey Lewis, Tyrone Davis, and over 2,000 jingles.
In the fall of 1979, seeking new horizons, Bobby ventured to Hollywood, California, securing a position at the iconic Motown Recording Studios. Over the ensuing three years, he played a pivotal role in crafting hit records for legends such as The Four Tops, The Temptations, and Diana Ross, while also contributing significantly to shaping the sound of Motown's emerging stars, including Rick James, Teena Marie, DeBarge, The Dazz Band, and others.
Following a remarkable 14-year stint as one of Stevie Wonder's personal engineers, Bobby chose to embrace independence as a contractor. This decision granted him the freedom to explore creative expressions beyond the confines of Motown, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career. Today, Bobby Brooks continues to leave an indelible mark on the music industry, not only as a seasoned producer, engineer, and mixer but also as an esteemed educator, sharing his wealth of knowledge with the next generation of audio enthusiasts.
