Born: October 29, 1916 Los Angeles, California, USA
Died: November 21, 2002 Los Angeles, California, USA
American pianist, and vocalist nicknamed Queen of the Boogie. Classically trained, she worked in rhythm & blues and jazz. Cameo appearances in several films, including In a Lonely Place (d. Nicholas Ray, 1950) starring Humphrey Bogart and, in 1951, she was the first African American woman in the US to host a television variety show (on Channel 13 in Los Angeles). A friend of Billie Holiday, the two women reported became close after Holiday offered Brooks a smoke of her joint in the ladies room. Career revival from 1987 after years away from performing. Entered the Rhythm and Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1993.