Bishop Michael Brooks Death & Obituary: Michael Brooks, the esteemed senior pastor at Restoration Fellowship Church International, passed away on Tuesday, July 16, at the age of 62. Brooks was a foundational member of the gospel group Commissioned and played a pivotal role as a songwriter, producer, and musician. His contributions significantly shaped the sound and success of the band.
A Musical Journey with Commissioned
Michael Brooks was an original member of Commissioned, alongside Fred Hammond. Together, they were the primary songwriters and producers for the group. Brooks’ talents extended to playing the keyboards, synclavier, piano, and organ. Their creative partnership resulted in numerous hit songs that propelled Commissioned to fame. Some of Brooks’ most notable compositions include “You’ve Got A Friend,” “Strange Land,” “Keep On Blessing Me,” “Back in the Saddle,” “He Set Me Free,” “Hide The Word,” and “Go Tell Somebody.”
After the release of Commissioned’s album “State of Mind,” Brooks left the group but continued to contribute to its legacy. He wrote and produced many successful tracks for other gospel artists, including the group Witness, for which he wrote approximately 95% of their songs.
Solo Career and Collaborations
In addition to his work with Commissioned, Michael Brooks collaborated with several prominent musicians such as guitarist Eric Brice, Fred Hammond, Michael Williams, and organist Earl Wright Jr. His wife, Lisa Page, was the lead vocalist of Witness. In 1996, Brooks released a solo album, “Choice to Rejoice,” with his group Michael Brooks & The Nation on A&M Records.
Brooks also established a new group called Michael Brooks & Royal Priesthood and launched a new imprint, Michael Brooks Music/Comin’ Atcha Music, in collaboration with Comin’ Atcha Music, which is the home of Parkes Stewart. His most recent CD, “Michael Brooks & Royal Priesthood,” was released in 2005 and remains a testament to his enduring influence in gospel music.
The Impact of Commissioned
Commissioned is an American urban contemporary gospel group from Detroit, Michigan, renowned for its soulful and inspirational music. The original members included Fred Hammond, Mitchell Jones, Keith Staten, Karl Reid, Michael Brooks, and Michael Williams. Formed in 1982, the group quickly gained prominence and recorded twelve albums over seventeen years, earning nominations for Grammy and Stellar awards.
Over the years, the lineup of Commissioned evolved, with members such as Marvin Sapp, Maxx Frank, Eddie Howard Jr., Montrell Darrett, Marcus Cole, and Chris Poole joining the group. Despite these changes, the band’s commitment to spreading gospel music remained steadfast. Their influence extended beyond the gospel genre, with R&B group Silk covering Commissioned’s ballad “Cry On” for the movie soundtrack of Blankman (1994).
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Conclusion
Michael Brooks’ passing marks the end of an era in gospel music. His contributions as a musician, songwriter, and producer have left an indelible mark on the genre. Through his work with Commissioned and his solo endeavors, Brooks inspired countless artists and listeners with his dedication to spreading the message of faith and hope. His legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of gospel music fans worldwide.