Darius Brooks is a contemporary gospel artist whose work, which spans decades, has been acknowledged with Dove, Stellar, and Grammy awards. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he was raised by his mother and godparents beside his 14 siblings. At a young age, he was deeply involved with music and the church, and developed as a vocalist, songwriter, pianist, choir director, arranger, and producer. Introduced to
Rev. Milton Brunson through her mother -- who had her own experience as a revered accompanist for
Mahalia Jackson and
Albertina Walker --
Brooks linked with
the Thompson Community Singers and remained with the group, also known as
the Tommies, for well over a decade. During this period, Simply Darius, his debut album, was released on Detroit's Sound of Gospel label and reached Billboard's gospel chart in 1990. While subsequent albums, such as
Your Will (2004) and
My Soul (2006), were infrequent, he was active with his own label, Journey Music Group, and as a collaborator with the likes of
Ricky Dillard,
Shirley Caesar, and
Vickie Winans, as well as R&B artists such as
Avant and
Avery Sunshine. ~ Andy Kellman