Born in Detroit, Brooks drummed since childhood, and left college to go on tour with Yusef Lateef. He recorded with Horace Silver on “Song For My Father,” and his energetic playing made him a sought-after sideman for many jazz artists, including Pharoah Sanders, Charles Mingus and Chet Baker. Later Brooks joined Max Roach as part of his M’Boom ensemble, and explored Aboriginal and non-Western percussion instruments. As a bandleader, he released several albums which showcased his funky playing, such as "The Free Slave."