Tony Cowell
The British Queen of Blues, Elkie Brooks, 72, on being discovered at 15, and why she’s not ready to retire… Elkie, they say you’re making a comeback – but have you ever been away?
[Laughs] I’ve been on the road for 57 years! Music has been my life and I don’t have any plans to stop. I’m still here, still boogying.
Can you remember when you were discovered by Don Arden [Sharon Osbourne’s dad] at a Manchester talent show?
I do. I was 15. I suppose if it was today I’d have needed a guardian, but I didn’t tell anyone about it – not my parents or friends. I was determined to do it on my own and, luckily, I won it. I remember Don. I was very frightened of him at the time.
Did your parents support your desire to sing?
No, they weren’t at all musical, but my grandmother was a classical piano player. I started listening to Ella Fitzgerald at 10 – she inspired me to sing. Then I began voice training. Learning the piano was important, it helped me write songs.
How has the industry changed since the 60s?
It hasn’t changed that much. You still have to look the part, don’t you? Nothing much has changed from a female standpoint, that’s for sure. Even though Adele may be a big woman, she’s still goodlooking. I wouldn’t say I was drop-dead gorgeous when I was young, but I’ve worked on it over the years!
You’re looking very fit – what’s your secret?
Martial arts. I practise aikido, and I became a black belt at 50. But I have to do it every day to maintain a decent level of fitness. I don’t think I’d be able to walk if I stopped!
What kind of British music do you like?
I love The Shires and London Grammar. Also, I was a huge fan of Amy Winehouse. I was so angry when I heard that she had died. It gives me goosebumps just to talk about her.
You’re happily married to sound engineer Trevor [Jordan], aren’t you?
We’ve been married 40 years now – he was my toy boy when I married him! My parents thought it was dreadful that he was seven years younger than me. But he knows the business so well. He’s a wonderful sound engineer – and that’s why I pinched him from Diana Ross. That’s how we met – he was her engineer first!
Pearls – The Very Best
of Elkie Brooks is out now on Virgin Records. See elkiebrooks.com