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