Robert Brookins

Robert Franklin Brookins (October 7, 1962 – April 15, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, producer and keyboardist. He was best known for his work with mainstream pop and jazz/funk bands Earth, Wind & Fire and The Stanley Clarke Band, but also with soul/funk band Afterbach which he led with his brother Michael.

Brookins was born in Sacramento, California, US. 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. The band won Motown's 1974 Soul Search Contest. Brookins was born and raised in the Del Paso Heights district of the city and was an alumnus of Grant Union High School.

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 R&B/pop 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 Man's Band, Angela Bofill, Kirk Whalum, Joe McBride, Sue Ann, Michael Cooper, The Isley Brothers, The Whispers and Walter & Scotty.

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