I started when I was about eight years old playing at barn dances. I actually started playing on the back of a chair, on stage with a set of bones. My father thought, maybe I had good rhythm. So he bought me an old snare drum and a hihat. He let me set in at the next dance.
| It went good. So after a few months he bought me a full drum set. And I was on my way.
My father's Square dance band became popular locally and became known as the Dave Brooks Orchestra. Performing at local clubs, hotels and weddings.
During this time I also started playing bass guitar. I did this for many years. Of course I did this all by ear. Not having any formal training. Then I started playing guitar a little. I went into the Navy. In boot camp, everyone was asked, if they played any musical instrument? So I said
I played bass guitar. Not giving any thought to the fact that I had no formal training and could not read music. While to my surprise, they put me in Special Forces. Which is the Navy band? I had to audition. They ask me to play a note and I would play it. I knew the bass, just not how to read music. They took for granted I guess, that I knew how to read music. And I did not think to tell them.
And much to my surprise I was accepted. Until, I was told to. Sit down with a 50 piece orchestra. When I sat down, the first thing I saw were musical charts sitting in front of me. Panic set in. The conductor was waving his baton. The band starts playing. I started playing. We got quite a few bars in. When the conductor. Stopped the music, looked up at me and in front of 50 of the best musicians in the country and screamed. “What the hell is the matter with you? Can’t you read music?” So I said,no sir. So he said”. Get the hell out of here. Then the long walk of shame off the stage. I was mortified.
It turned out okay though. They put me in the jazz band. Where I could improvise and fit in well. I had a lot of fun and played with amazing musicians.
I was stationed aboard a ship. The USS Raleigh LPD 1. I joined the ships rock band and was able to play all over the world. I was always amazed how I could set in with the band in a club where I couldn't speak the language. But fit in right in musically. I loved that! And guess what? I still couldn't read music.
After the Navy I went home and played with my father's band until his death. I kept the band going to finish his commitments but then I wanted to try something different.
For the next 10 years I played in a country rock band. We did well locally. We went to Nashville. Made a record, Got spanked and sent home. I was in Nashville for approximately 10 minutes. When I went into a music store thinking I could play a guitar. This guy walks in, with a long trench coat. Looking like he's in really rough shape. Sat down and played the most amazing guitar I've ever heard. It reminded me of the time in the Navy with that long walk of shame off the stage.
But the record turned out well and gave us our 10 minutes of fame in our hometown.
But once again I go on still can’t read music. You’d think I learn. I started a top 40 band. It did well locally. But after a while and a lot of hard work, both musically and with the music business I became burned out. So I stopped playing, found a menial job with a good retirement and health plan and spent the next 20 years working and help raising my children paying my mortgage. And you know what? I didn't need to read music.
I'm now retired, the children are all grown up, and a mortgage is almost paid for. My wife and I have made a good life for ourselves and our family.
So, do you know what I did? I put in a small recording studio in my home. I started playing again and I am having a ball.
I play a lot of old songs that most people don’t know or care about but I like them. And it makes me happy. I've come in a complete circle and back to where I belong. And do you know what? I still can't read music!!!! I should learn someday. Maybe I will
Bud Brooks