“No city compares to Chicago,” stated Chicago Blues Hall of Famer Lonnie Brooks during a WTTW News interview in 2001. “Chicago’s the blues capital. Everyone left the South to come here to record for Chess Records, and they stayed.”
For decades, Brooks was a pivotal figure in the Chicago blues scene. Born in Louisiana, he established himself as a skilled guitarist in Texas before relocating north in 1960. As a versatile singer-songwriter, Brooks toured and developed friendships with legends like Sam Cooke, Clifton Chenier, and Jimmy Reed. His guitar work garnered admiration from notable musicians such as Roy Clark and Johnny Winter.
Before his passing in 2017 at the age of 83, Brooks had already seen his sons carve out their own paths in the blues genre.
Initially, both sons played in their father’s band.
“What I started is gonna keep going,” the elder Brooks remarked to WTTW News 23 years ago. “I learned from my grandfather, and my sons learned from me.”
Ronnie Baker Brooks stands out as a talented singer and guitarist in his own right. He has recently released “Blues In My DNA” on Chicago’s independent Alligator Records, which was also his father’s longtime label.
Ronnie’s younger brother, Wayne Baker Brooks, is also a successful touring musician. He is set to perform at the Stews, Brews and Blues festival in Highland Park on November 2.
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