On January 31st 2023, KCRW Public Radio was kind enough to invite me on for a brief 9-minute segment to talk about Hadda Brooks, as someone had told the producer of the show of my series of blog posts about her. Hadda had a long, eventful, and interesting life, so it was challenge to convey…
All posts tagged Hadda Brooks
The First Lady of Modern Music: Boyle Heights’ Hadda Brooks, Part 4
Introduction: This concludes the four-part post on pianist/singer Hadda Brooks by Rudy Martinez, a member of the advisory board for the Boyle Heights Historical Society. Rudy did a great deal of research and put together an interesting and informative history of a significant local musical figure. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this history of a…
The First Lady of Modern Music: Boyle Heights’ Hadda Brooks, Part 3
Introduction: Boyle Heights Historical Society Advisory Board member Rudy Martinez is the author of this fascinating multi-part post on pianist/singer Hadda Brooks, who lived in Boyle Heights much of her life. We pick up the story with Hadda becoming a recognized local performer on the new Modern Music record label. – Paul R. Spitzzeri Hadda…
The First Lady of Modern Music: Boyle Heights’ Hadda Brooks, Part 2
Introduction: Boyle Heights Historical Society Advisory Board member Rudy Martinez is the author of this fascinating multi-part post on pianist/singer Hadda Brooks, who lived in Boyle Heights much of her life. We pick up the story with Hadda completing her education and embarking on her budding musical career. – Paul R. Spitzzeri Hadda Brooks, who…
The First Lady of Modern Music: Boyle Heights’ Hadda Brooks, Part 1
Introduction: Boyle Heights Historical Society Advisory Board member Rudy Martinez returns with another great post on the history of the community–this one relating to the pianist Hadda Brooks. The post will be presented in several parts, starting with an introduction to Brooks’ early life in Boyle Heights. – Paul R. Spitzzeri In April 1945 the…