Elkie Brooks, born Elaine Bookbinder on 25 February 1945 in Manchester, is an English singer who has built a career spanning six decades. Known for her powerful voice and a blend of rock, blues and jazz, she is often called the “British Queen of Blues.” She rose to fame through early work with the bands Dada and Vinegar Joe before launching a highly successful solo career that produced hits like “Fool If You Think It’s Over.” As of 2025 she is 80 years old and remains active in live performance.
Brooks began singing professionally in 1960, winning a Manchester talent contest at age 15. She performed on the London cabaret circuit and toured with The Beatles and Small Faces before joining Dada, which later evolved into Vinegar Joe. Her autobiography, Finding My Voice, was published in 2012. She continues to tour and record, marking her 80th birthday in 2025 with a BBC Radio 2 Piano Room performance.
Who is Elkie Brooks?
English rock, blues and jazz singer, born Elaine Bookbinder in 1945. Known for her powerful voice and hits like “Fool If You Think It’s Over.”
Age
80 years old (born 25 February 1945).
Net Worth
Estimated $1–5 million (not publicly confirmed).
Most Famous Song
“Fool If You Think It’s Over” (1978) – over 5 million Spotify streams.
- Elkie Brooks has been performing for six decades, demonstrating remarkable longevity.
- Her biggest hit “Fool If You Think It’s Over” remains a staple on streaming platforms.
- She continues to tour and release new music, including a 2024 Live & Acoustic album.
- Her net worth is widely speculated but not officially disclosed – estimates vary.
- Though highly popular in the UK, she has a dedicated international fanbase.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Born | 25 February 1945 (age 80) |
| Birth name | Elaine Bookbinder |
| Height | Not publicly confirmed (estimates vary) |
| Husband | Trevor Jordan (married 1 March 1978) |
| Net worth | Estimated $1–5 million |
| Genres | Rock, Blues, Jazz |
| Years active | 1960s–present |
| Most streamed song | “Fool If You Think It’s Over” (5.9M+ streams) |
| Official website | elkiebrooks.com |
Elkie Brooks Age
How Old Is Elkie Brooks?
Elkie Brooks was born on 25 February 1945, making her 80 years old in 2025. This is confirmed by her Wikipedia entry, Last.fm, and Gold Radio. She celebrated her 80th birthday with a BBC Radio 2 Piano Room performance in 2025.
Elkie Brooks Height
No reliable public record of Elkie Brooks’ height exists. Estimates vary among fan sources, but nothing has been officially confirmed.
No official height listing has been published by the singer or her representatives. Earlier fan discussions suggest a range of roughly 5’4″ to 5’6″, but these are not substantiated.
Elkie Brooks Husband
Brooks was first married to guitarist Pete Gage in the early-to-mid 1970s. She later married sound engineer Trevor Jordan on 1 March 1978. Sources continue to describe them as married. The couple have two children, Jermaine and Joseph, according to Portuguese Wikipedia and Spanish Wikipedia.
Elkie Brooks Songs
Notable Hits
- “Pearl’s a Singer” – Express
- “Sunshine After the Rain” – Express
- “No More the Fool” – Official Charts
- “Don’t Cry Out Loud” – Gold Radio
- “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” – Official Charts
- “Something’s Got Hold on Me” (debut cover) – Last.fm
Selected Studio Albums
Brooks has released 20+ solo studio albums. Notable examples include Rich Man’s Woman (1975), Two Days Away (1977), Shooting Star (1978), Live and Learn (1979), Pearls (1981), Pearls II (1982), Minutes (1984), Screen Gems (1984), No More the Fool (1986) and Inspiration (1989) – sources via JazzRockSoul.
Elkie Brooks Net Worth
Elkie Brooks has never publicly disclosed her net worth. All estimates are speculative and based on industry averages. Figures ranging from $1 million to $5 million appear in fan and media circles but lack confirmation.
Given her six decades in the music industry, multiple hit albums, and continued touring, it is plausible that she has amassed a comfortable fortune. However, without official financial disclosures, any specific number remains an approximation. The only certainty is that her longevity and loyal fanbase have sustained her career.
Elkie Brooks Tour
Current and Recent Activity
In 2025 Elkie Brooks performed on BBC Radio 2 Piano Room to mark her 80th birthday. She is currently undertaking The Long Farewell Tour, which extends into 2026, according to a YouTube video documenting the event. This tour follows a pattern of anniversary tours – a 2015 article on WriteWyattUK also mentioned a birthday tour.
For the latest tour dates and appearances, check her official website or follow @elkiebrooks on Instagram and Facebook.
Elkie Brooks Career Timeline
- 1945 – Born Elaine Bookbinder in Manchester, England.
- 1960s – Began singing professionally; joined and performed with Dada and then Vinegar Joe.
- 1970–1974 – Member of Vinegar Joe alongside Robert Palmer.
- 1975 – Released debut solo album Rich Man’s Woman.
- 1978 – Released “Fool If You Think It’s Over,” her biggest hit.
- 1980s – Continued success with compilations like The Very Best of Elkie Brooks and further albums.
- 1990s–2000s – Sustained touring and recording, including jazz-oriented material.
- 2024 – Released Live & Acoustic album.
- 2025 – Marked 80th birthday with BBC Radio 2 performance; began The Long Farewell Tour (continuing into 2026).
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Full name: Elaine Bookbinder | Net worth: no official figures; estimates range from $1M to $5M |
| Date of birth: 25 February 1945 | Height: not publicly recorded |
| Profession: singer | Current marital status: married to Trevor Jordan as of later sources |
| Married to Trevor Jordan (1978) | Exact number of albums: varies by source; 20+ studio albums |
| Active since 1960s |
Elkie Brooks’ Place in Music History
Elkie Brooks began in the 1960s British rock scene, gained prominence as a vocalist in Vinegar Joe, and transitioned to a successful solo career. Her blend of rock, blues, and jazz has kept her relevant for decades. She is considered one of the UK’s most beloved female vocalists, often cited as an influence on later artists. Her hit “Fool If You Think It’s Over” was later covered by Chris Rea and others. Still performing and recording, she maintains a loyal fanbase, and her 2024 Live & Acoustic album shows a stripped-down side of her artistry. While not as globally famous as some contemporaries, she holds a strong niche in the UK and Europe with a steady streaming presence.
Sources and Quotes
“One of the UK’s most loved singers. Elkie Brooks has been in the business for an astonishing 6 decades.”
– Official website (elkiebrooks.com)
“Elkie Brooks (born Elaine Bookbinder; 25 February 1945) is an English rock, blues and jazz singer.”
– Wikipedia
“Fool If You Think It’s Over has 5,971,706 streams on Spotify.”
– Spotify artist page
Summary
Elkie Brooks remains an enduring figure in British music, with a career that has crossed six decades. At 80, she continues to tour and connect with audiences through live performances and recordings. For more on other veteran artists, see Paolo Nutini – Biography, Songs, Tour and Personal Life 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elkie Brooks’ real name?
Her real name is Elaine Bookbinder.
Is Elkie Brooks still alive?
Yes, she is alive and actively performing as of 2025.
What genre is Elkie Brooks?
She is known for rock, blues, and jazz.
How tall is Elkie Brooks?
Her height is not officially confirmed; estimates suggest around 5’4″ to 5’6″.
What is Elkie Brooks’ most famous song?
Her most famous song is “Fool If You Think It’s Over” (1978).
Who is Elkie Brooks married to?
She has been married to sound engineer Trevor Jordan since 1 March 1978.
Does Elkie Brooks have children?
Yes, she and Trevor Jordan have two sons named Jermaine and Joseph.
How many albums has Elkie Brooks released?
She has released over 20 solo studio albums, according to multiple sources.
Is Elkie Brooks still touring?
Yes, she is currently on The Long Farewell Tour, which runs into 2026.
Where can I find Elkie Brooks’ latest tour dates?
Check her official website elkiebrooks.com or follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
Freddie Arthur Cooper Harrison is Editor-in-Chief of PopCulture UK, covering film, TV, music and celebrity news. He is accountable for the newsroom's editorial standards, and leads its sourcing and fact-checking process so that every article separates verified fact from rumour and is reviewed before publication.