Bubba Brooks facts for kids
David Kenneth Brooks, Jr., known to many as Bubba Brooks or Bubber Brooks, was a talented American jazz musician. He played the tenor saxophone. Bubba was born on May 29, 1922, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He passed away on April 11, 2002. He was also the brother of another famous musician, Tina Brooks.
Bubba Brooks began his music career at a young age. His first professional job was with a "medicine show" run by Pepper McAllister. This was a traveling show that combined entertainment with selling products. During World War II, Bubba served in the Army. While in the Army, he played music with another great saxophonist, James Moody.
After leaving the Army in 1944, Bubba moved to New York City. There, he played at famous jazz clubs like Minton's Playhouse and the Harlem Grill. In 1947, he toured North Carolina with a band that included Sonny Payne. Later, he played with George Barkley in New York. He made his first recordings with George Barkley around 1947 or 1948. From 1948 to 1957, Bubba played with Sonny Thompson.
In 1958, Bubba Brooks worked with Jimmy McCracklin. In 1961, he played with Phil Upchurch. He also did "session work" in the 1960s. This means he played on recordings for many different pop musicians. From 1967 to 1973, he performed at the Fantasy East club in New York. He played there with alto saxophonist Charles Williams and Don Pullen. They recorded three albums together for Mainstream Records. After a short time with Jimmy McGriff in 1974, Bubba joined Bill Doggett's band. He stayed with Bill Doggett's group for twenty years, from 1976 to 1996.
In the mid-1990s, Bubba Brooks worked with musicians like Bross Townsend and Carrie Smith. He also played with the Harlem Blues and Jazz Band. In 1999, he toured France with the jazz guitarist Al Casey.
Bubba Brooks's Music Recordings
Bubba Brooks recorded many albums throughout his career. Here are some of the albums he released as a leader and some where he played with other artists.
As a Leader
- Smooth Sailing (TCB, 1995)
- The Big Sound of Bubba Brooks (Claves Jazz, 1995)
- Polka Dots and Moonbeams (TCB, 1996)
Playing with Other Musicians
- Wynonie Harris (Route 66, 1954)
- Phil Upchurch You Can't Sit Down (United Artists, 1961)
- Phil Upchurch Twist - The Big Hit Dances (United Artists, 1961)
- Charles Williams - Charles Williams (Mainstream, 1971)
- Charles Williams - Trees and Grass and Things (Mainstream, 1972)
- Charles Williams - Stickball (Mainstream, 1973)
- Bill Doggett Am I Blue (Black and Blue, 1978)
- Bill Doggett Honky Tonk (Black and Blue, 1980)
- Bill Doggett The Right Choice (After Hours, 1991)
- Bross Townsend I Love Jump Jazz (Claves Jazz, 1995)
- Michel Pastre Live During a French Tour (Djaz, 1999)
- Joseph Carter In the Now (Velvet Swan, 2000)
- Bobby Forrester Organic Chemistry (Lollipop, 2001)
