Biography:

Donnie Brooks (born John Dee Abohosh; February 6, 1936 – February 23, 2007)^[1] was an American pop music singer.^[2] Brooks is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

Early life

Born in Dallas, Texas, Abohosh moved to Ventura, California in his teens, where he was adopted by his stepfather and took the name John D. Faircloth. He discovered a singing voice at a young age and recorded a few minor hits with several small record labels under the stage names Johnny Jordan, Dick Bush (which sole single “Hollywood Party” was his first for Era), and Johnny Faire,^[1] the latter gaining some sales with “Bertha Lou” in early 1959, while a cover version by Clint Miller charted nationally.

Career

In 1958, although without a recording contract, he played a set at a El Monte Legion Stadium show, singing two numbers, including Ray Charles’ hit “What’d I Say“. Encouraged by friends Dorsey and Johnny Burnette, he stayed in the music business and in late 1959 he made his first recording using the name Donnie Brooks. His first single, “Li’l Sweetheart”, received a lukewarm reception, then his March 1960 hit single, “Mission Bell” on Era Records peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.^[3] His follow-up, “Doll House”/”Round Robin” (a double-sided hit single with a color picture sleeve on Era Records) peaked at No. 31 in December 1960. According to a 2006 concert at Sherman Indian High School, Riverside, California, posted on YouTube,^[4] Brooks revealed that he was the voice of the opening theme to the cartoon series George of the Jungle. He also sang the theme to the cartoon series Super Chicken and Tom Slick. In addition to Mission Bell, Brooks produced Merrilee Rush (Angel of the Morning), Cannibal & the Headhunters (Land of 1000 Dances), Len Barry (1-2-3, “Bristol Stomp“, “You Can’t Sit Down“), Jewel Akens (Birds + Bees).

In 1971, Brooks played the role of Christ in the rock opera Truth of Truths for Oak Records.^[2] Brooks toured with other performers from the early rock and roll era in oldies revival shows.

In 2003, Brooks was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.^[1]

Death

Brooks died on February 23, 2007, in Panorama City, California.^[1]

There was a memorial service and rockabilly show in his honor on Monday, March 26, 2007, at the Elks Lodge in Burbank, California.

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