Orgers,

My wife, my father, and I attended the Memorial Service for Robert Brookins this morning and afternoon. I just wanted to share with you all what a wonderful event it was.

Grant High School, in Sacramento's Del Paso Heights, was kind enough to host the event at their football field. I would approximate that 1,500 people attended.

Robert was a "beacon of light, and hope", said Mayor Kevin Johnson, one of several luminaries that spoke during the two hour service under beautiful sunny skies.

Robert was remembered as a positive friend, a brother, a father, and a gifted musician. Derek (DOA) Allen, Jay King, Tony Haynes, Michael Brookins, Philip Bailey, John Paris, Verdine White, and Rob's best friend Kelly Keys were among the speakers that eulogized the Sacramento neighborhood hero.

DOA read a well-crafted letter from George Duke - in which Duke said "I thought I was the funkiest keyboard player ever - until I heard Robert." ...King read a similar note of condolence from Stanley Clarke.

Bailey sang the Lord's Prayer, while DOA & Dennis Austin did an acoustic version of Brookins' "I Thank Heaven". Missionary Pamela Hunt moved many to tears with three stirring vocal solos.

That the three Earth, Wind & Fire members were there was a testament to their love and respect for Brookins. E, W, & F performed last night in Shreveport, LA. They hopped on a plane at 5 am - connected in Houston, and made it to Northern California (a little late - they missed the first half-hour) just to be there. Verdine said they were getting back on a 3pm flight back to Louisiana because they perform tomorrow in New Orleans.

Others in attendance from the music industry that I saw included Karyn White, Brian Alexander Morgan (SWV), Eddie M., Raymond McKinley, Skip Davis, and Santana drummer Brian Collier.

Copies of Robert's (nearly completed) new CD "Sweet Dreams" were sold for $10 on the way out. All proceeds will benefit his only son London.

Those that wish to leave a message can do so at http://www.brookinsentertainment.com/
[Edited 4/25/09 15:56pm]

Thanks for sharing.
He will be missed.