BIOGRAPHY
Wayne Baker Brooks is considered one of today’s top guitarists whose signature style combines powerful vocals with liquid fire guitar playing that honors his rich blues heritage yet effortlessly expands the boundaries of the genre.
Born and raised in Chicago, IL amongst the most prolific blues legends and blues masters in the world, Wayne Baker Brook's blues roots may run deeper and broader than the Great Lakes themselves.
Chicago Blues laid the foundation for Wayne's innovative style. Growing up Brooks was a regular visitor to such historic places as Chess Studios, Checkerboard Lounge, Wisefools, and many other blues landmarks at which he witnessed many live performances by blues masters like Buddy Guy, Jr. Wells, Luther Allison, KoKo Taylor, the great Muddy Waters, & his father. The youngest son of blues master Lonnie Brooks - Wayne Brooks was literally born into the blues!
Leaving no way around the fate appointed him he soon joined his father's (Lonnie Brooks) band as his rhythm guitarist then quickly became the musical director. Then in 1997, he formed the Wayne Baker Brooks Band while continuing to work with his father's band. He made a cameo appearance in the film Blues Brothers 2000.
With the release of his acclaimed debut CD "Mystery" "an album that brilliantly draws on blues, blues rock, soul, funk and beyond". "Mystery" received multiple awards and praise from the music world.
Along with releasing his book “Blues for Dummies” he was soon touring the world and featured on national TV programs (including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, & CNN's "Showbiz"), as well as ongoing radio programs, print media, & special media events including performing for First Lady Hilary Rodham Clinton at Chess Studios (Willie Dixon Blues Heaven Foundation) with legends Bo Diddley, Lonnie Brooks, KoKo Taylor. After Wayne and his special guest's exhilarating set, Hillary stated, "My husband is going to be so jealous he missed this!".
WBB has performed with, supported/opened for, and appeared on TV with such notables as:
Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Bo Diddley, Corey Harris, The Black Crowes, Otis Rush, Jr. Wells, Shemekia Copeland, Johnny Lang, Susan Tedeschi, Keb Mo, Jimmy Vivino, Buckwheat Zydeco, Robert Randolph, Taj Mahal, Mick Fleetwood, Otis Clay, Bobby Rush, Elvin Bishop, Billy Branch and many more...
Wayne Baker Brooks and this Band continue to play the world over with WBB's signature top-shelf brand of guitar playing and a live show that should not be missed.
ACCOLADES
Inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame
Musical Director, Programmer, Performer for Buddy Guy Kick-Off Ceremony for Kennedy Center Honors.
Inducted into the Canadian Blues Hall of Fame
Chicago Blues Fest Headliner: Band Leader and Host of the 40th Anniversary of Alligator Records
Inducted into The History Makers: Music Maker Success
Real Blues Magazine Award - "Carry The Torch Award"
Real Blues Magazine Award - "Top Blues Stars of the Future"
Real Blues Magazine Award - "Best Chicago Blues Guitar CD/Modern"
Real Blues Magazine Award - "Best New Chicago Blues Talent/Male"
Real Blues Magazine Award - "Best Chicago Blues Tune/Modern"
Appearance in The Blues Brothers 2000
Performed at President Bill Clinton’s second Inauguration
Performed at Democratic Convention for Comedy Central
Performed Alligator Records 20th Anniversary Tour