British vocalist Elkie Brooks has opened up about the intense vocal strain and grueling touring schedules of her early career, revealing the unorthodox vocal remedies she relied on before taking the stage. According to an interview published by The Guardian, the blues and jazz singer routinely combined Guinness with shots of brandy to warm up her voice during her heavy touring days.
Vocal Strain and Touring Realities in the 1960s and 1970s
During the height of her touring career, Brooks faced relentless performance demands that tested her physical endurance. The vocalist explained to The Guardian that the combination of stout and spirits served as a quick fix to loosen her vocal cords before performing live sets. Throughout her decades-long career, which included fronting the band Vinegar Joe before achieving major solo success with hits like “Pearl’s a Singer” and “No More the Fool,” Brooks maintained a reputation for her powerful, gravelly delivery.
A Lasting Impact on British Rock and Blues
Brooks remains one of the most successful and enduring female vocalists in British music history, known for breaking commercial ground in a male-dominated rock scene during the 1970s. Her recent reflections offer a rare glimpse into the physical toll exacted by the era’s relentless touring circuit, highlighting the stark contrast between the glamorous public image of 1970s rock stardom and the gritty behind-the-scenes reality.