the beginnings

Nicholas Orestes Brooks was born in
E. St. Louis, IL to proud parents Victor and Connie Brooks. In the early years,
Nicholas and his older sister Constance "Jeannie," were raised in a home constantly
filled with music.
At the age of 8, Nicholas performed for the first time in church, where he sang "O' Come all ye
Faithful". Without a dry eye in the church congregation, Nicholas describes this
experience as, "The moment when I knew that singing was going to be my life!" As
Nicholas grew up he started acting in several theatre productions and at the age
of 12 he began professionally singing in a young blues/rock band, then with
the R&B quintet "Finesse." In his Batavia high school years,
he was a student council member, three sport athlete, and background vocalist
for Seseme Street Live. Moreover, he
began to make a name for himself as a standout vocalist in the Batavia High School
Swingsingers
showchoir and in the community winning several awards and state/local vocal
competitions.
the big break
Nicholas' collegiate big break came in 1998. He was
recruited to Northern Illinois University to be the singer for the NIU Jazz
Ensemble (Big-band) - one of the top five Jazz programs in the U.S.
Under the direction of Ron Carter, Nicholas was able to travel with the band across
the U.S. and Europe touring with Jazz legends like, Wynton Marsalis, Frank Wess,
Benny Golson and many more. During this time, Nicholas made several radio and

television appearances singing the National Anthem at high profile professional
sports games. Also in his college years, Nicholas became the 2001 Homecoming
King and was awarded the prestigious and coveted Down Beat Magazine U.S. and
Canada Jazz Vocalist of the Year 2002 award, which propelled him into the music
stratosphere. The Chicago Tribune also named Nicholas as one of the top rising
artists in the U.S. Upon his graduation, the City of Batavia (Nicholas'
hometown) awarded him with "Nicholas Brooks Day" on May 11,
2002.
the commercial headliner
Shortly there after Nicholas signed a contract with Celebrity
Management (manager Jimmy Jay Smith) beginning his professional solo career in
Las Vegas and abroad. In this new world of stardom, Nicholas has become a Las Vegas
celebrity on tv & radio working with some of his musical idols and famed
celebrities. Now, as a recording artist, Nicholas has established himself as a
dynamic commercial vocalist and a Las Vegas headliner.