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| Alma Faye (Brooks) |
| The beautiful Canadian chanteuse Alma Faye Brooks burst on the scene in 1977 with a bright little number that gave her the first taste of American exposure. "Stop, I Don't Need No Sympathy" was a bright, horn-laddened number that was released on an RCA records 12" single. The song was originally a minor hit for Lyn Roman, better known as Linda Griner, in the early 1970's. However producers Dominic Scisente and Michel Daigle (better known for their later success with Voggue) utilize Alma's unique and distinct voice to it's utmost on her version. The song created minor ripples on the American club scene but failed to crack the pop charts. Very, very little is known or printed about Ms. Brooks. We do know that after this record she did a turn in the Canadian production of "Hair." Although we are not sure of which role (s) she played. We do know that a series of background vocalist sessions followed for Zachary Richard, BouleNoire and Geraldine Hunt among others. During the next couple of years Alma used her rising noteriety to make appearances on Canadian television shows such as "Whatever Turns You On." In late 1978 Michel and Dominic, along with Alma, began writing and recording what would become her only album release. Original released in Canada (see photo above) "Doin' It" would be a disco masterpiece. By 1979 the album would make it's way to the American club scene when Casablanca records picked it up and re-released here under the shortened Alma Faye moniker. Immediately a 12" single was pulled and remixed (twice) for release. "It's Over" climbed up the club charts and even peaked at #-60 on the pop charts. A second single, "Don't Fall In Love" faired as well on the club scene but barely hit #-90 on the Billboard charts. The album itself was chocked full of other disco nuggets. One of my favorites was "Gimme Your Love." In fact that song is on my list of all-time top 50 faves. Other tracks that saw club play were: "Here's To Life," "I Believed," "Brother Dan" and "Thank You." Her success in Canada earned her a Juno, (the Canadian Grammy equivalent), nomination in 1978 for "Most Promising Female Vocalist" alongside Claudja Barry and winner Lisa Dal Bello. Again in 1980 she was nominated for the same Juno alongside Karen Silver and winner France Joli. With the crash of the disco scene in 1980 Alma's recording career seemed to die also. I found proof of one other 12" single, "Hurricane" but since I don't own it I can't say if it came before or after the album or anything else about it. It seems that Alma went back to session work and personal appearances after 1980. The next confirmed appearance of Alma was in the 1989 movie "Eddie & The Cruisers 2" Eddie Lives!." Seems she has a bit part as singer #-1. The most recent sighting of Miss Brooks was an appearance at Montreal's "Tsirco & Jazz" restaurant on April 29, 2004. So it seems that Alma is alive and still doin' it! If anyone has any additional information about Alma to share with us please help us preserve her legacy and share any pics or info on her. |
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