La La Brooks - Lead singer of The Crystals
Dolores Brooks (born June 20, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY) was a member of the girl group The Crystals. She is best known as the lead vocalist on their hits "Then He Kissed Me" and "Da Doo Ron Ron."
While attending PS 73, she was discovered in an after-school program by Dolores "Dee Dee" Kenniebrew and her mother, who invited her to join The Crystals as a replacement for a departing member. Brooks accepted this invitation.
In 1968, La La appeared in the original Broadway production of the musical Hair, where she performed the song "Aquarius". She would later appear in the Broadway show Two Gentlemen of Verona in 1971. La La also toured with and recorded for various artists (such as the Neville Brothers, Bobby Womack and Isaac Hayes); made short appearances in films; and contributed songs to different movie soundtracks (including the 1970 film Cotton Comes to Harlem). In 1971, La La reunited with Kenniebrew, Mary Thomas, and Barbara Alston as the Crystals and toured and performed in rock-&-roll revival shows. Their touring lasted until 1973 when the members decided to devote their time to their families.
Brooks moved back to the United States in 2000 and resides in the East Village. She is also now a grandmother of three. In 2010, La La appeared on the PBS television special "My Music: Rock Pop, and Doo Wop" hosted by Bowzer and Ronnie Spector and performing with Lou Christie, Davy Jones, Jefferson Starship, Len Barry, and many more.
Brooks currently has her own band and is performing the hits her fans know.
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