Information/Write-up
Toronto R&B singer Dianne Brooks was very much in demand as a backup vocalist in the increasingly hectic Toronto recording scene through the 1970s, working with everyone from Anne Murray to Funkadelic, Ronnie Lane, and Craig Fuller's pre-Little Feat band Pure Prairie League. Her second album, Back Stairs of My Life, was recorded in 1976 with producer Brian Ahern. Vocal and instrumental assistance was provided by a large cast of characters, including Bonnie Raitt, Anne Murray, Amos Garrett, William D. Smith and Billy Payne of Little Feat.
Back Stairs of My Life included Brooks' cover of Rick Danko and Bobby Charles' song "Small Town Talk". The personnel on the song is Amos Garrett, Jimmy Johnson and Brian Ahern on guitars, David Hood on bass, Barry Beckett on keyboards and Roger Hawkins on drums. All but Garrett (who knew the song best from his Woodstock days) and Ahern (the produceer) were based in Muscle Shoals, where some of the album was recorded.
Gwendolyn Dianne Brooks (January 3, 1939 – April 29, 2005) was an American-born jazz and soul singer whose remarkable career spanned both the United States and Canada. Born in New Jersey, Brooks discovered her love for music early, singing in her local church at the age of three. Her prodigious talent did not go unnoticed, and her mother sent her to New York City to study voice. By 1957, Brooks made her professional debut with The Three Playmates, a vocal trio that recorded for the Savoy label. Among their releases was the modest hit “Sugah Wooga”, which Brooks co-wrote.
In 1960, Brooks relocated to Toronto, Canada, where she quickly became a prominent figure in the city’s vibrant jazz and R&B scene. She regularly performed at legendary venues like The Bluenote and The Croq D'Or, earning a reputation as a dynamic and soulful vocalist. Her powerful voice led to extensive work with both CBC and CTV, making her a fixture on Canadian radio and television throughout the 1960s. During this time, she also became a highly sought-after session singer, lending her vocals to projects by Anne Murray, Keith Hampshire, and other Canadian stars.
Brooks was also part of The Soul Searchers, a group that included future legends like Eric Mercury and members of Motherlode. Known for their high-energy performances, the ensemble became a key player in Toronto’s R&B scene. In 1966, Brooks began pursuing a solo career, leading to a recording contract with Verve/Folkways Records. Her 1967 single, “In My Heart/I Just Don’t Know What to Do with Myself,” showcased her incredible vocal prowess and opened doors for further opportunities.
Her collaboration with Canadian producer and musician Doug Riley became a defining chapter in her career. Under Riley’s Revolver Records, she recorded “Walkin’ On My Mind/Need to Belong” in 1969. Both songs, penned by Riley, received substantial airplay across major markets and charted in the Top 40 in some regions. The success of the single extended overseas, with releases in the UK and Belgium on various indie labels.
The 1970s marked an even greater evolution for Brooks. She recorded her debut album, Some Other Kind of Soul, a rare and highly coveted release known for its stellar musicianship and contributions from Canadian jazz and soul greats. Brooks continued to be a sought-after backing vocalist, appearing on records by artists like Gino Vannelli, Richie Havens, and Pure Prairie League. As a member of Doug Riley’s Dr. Music, Brooks helped define the group’s distinctive blend of jazz, soul, and R&B.
In 1976, Brooks released her second solo album, Back Stairs of My Life, produced by Brian Ahern. The album skillfully blended R&B and disco, with standout tracks like “Kinky Love” and “Brown Skin Rose”. The single “Kinky Love” reached the Top 40 in Canada and received airplay in the United States, reaffirming her status as a dynamic and versatile artist.
Throughout her career, Brooks was celebrated for her adaptability and soulful depth, seamlessly moving between genres and projects. Her contributions extended beyond her solo work as she became a beloved collaborator and session singer, appearing on hundreds of recordings. From her early days as part of a vocal trio to her time as a solo star and session icon, Dianne Brooks left an indelible mark on the music world.
Dianne Brooks passed away on April 29, 2005, in Toronto, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence generations of jazz and soul musicians. Her voice and artistry remain a shining example of Canada’s rich musical heritage.
-Robert Williston
No Comments