Lead singer of the Crystals, known for 1960s hits like "Then He Kissed Me" and "Da Doo Ron Ron".
Dolores LaLa Brooks, born June 20, 1947, is an American singer and actress best known for her soulful voice as the second lead singer of the iconic girl group The Crystals. With her powerful vocals, she led the group to success with hits like "Then He Kissed Me" and "Da Doo Ron Ron", cementing her place in music history.
Born to a Native American mother and an African American father, Brooks was the second youngest of 11 children. She discovered her talent for singing at a young age, performing gospel music in church and joining her siblings' gospel group, Little Gospel Tears, at just seven years old.
Brooks' big break came when she was discovered by Dolores Dee Dee Kenniebrew and her mother in an afterschool program, leading her to join The Crystals as a replacement for a departing member. She made her debut with the group on the March 1962 release "Uptown", which marked the beginning of her successful music career.
As a member of The Crystals, Brooks' powerful voice helped shape the group's signature sound, earning them numerous hits and a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After leaving the group, she continued to pursue her passion for music, marrying jazz and session musician Idris Muhammad in 1966 and converting to Islam, changing her name to Sakinah Muhammad.
Brooks' post-Crystals career was marked by appearances in the original Broadway production of "Hair" and "Two Gentlemen of Verona", as well as collaborations with notable artists like the Neville Brothers, Bobby Womack, and Isaac Hayes. She also made short appearances in films and contributed to various movie soundtracks, including the 1970 film "Cotton Comes to Harlem".
Beyond her impressive music career, Brooks' influence extends to the broader cultural landscape. Her soulful voice and iconic performances have inspired generations of artists, solidifying her status as a music legend.
In 1983, Brooks and her family moved to London, England, where she continued to pursue her music career alongside her husband. Although she stepped back from the spotlight in the late 1970s, her legacy lives on, with her music remaining a beloved staple of rock and roll history.
Brooks has been married to Idris Muhammad since 1966 and has four children with him. Her conversion to Islam in the 1960s marked a significant turning point in her life, shaping her personal and professional trajectory.
In the decades since her music career, Brooks has continued to lead a private life, focusing on her family and personal pursuits. Despite her relatively low public profile, her impact on the music world remains undeniable, cementing her status as a beloved and respected figure in the industry.
85 Years Old
Lead vocalist of the girl group The Blossoms, known for iconic holiday hits like "All Alone on Christmas" and "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)".
81 Years Old
A pioneering soul singer-songwriter behind the 1965 hit "Tainted Love," which became a cult classic and a staple of the Northern soul movement. Known for her powerful, emotive voice and songwriting skills.
83 Years Old
A former African Union Commission Chairman and Gabon's foreign minister, known for his diplomatic efforts to resolve African conflicts and promote regional integration.
