Bill Brooker

Commerce, Oklahoma, is the birthplace of Bill Brooker, where he arrived on September12, 1924. Bill grew up as a singer, performing at local functions with his parents, and did not own or play a guitar until he was 24.

He moved to Moses Lake, Washington. in 1949 to manage a food store. He sang for the Steve Laughry "Sounds of Nine," while practicing on his new guitar. This band was voted the Number 2 new band of 1960 at the Jackic Gleason New Band Talent Contest.

In 1953, Bill joined Slim Merkley to form the '"Western Swing Trio," doing radio shows, and also played with the late Jimmy Bryant in Portland, Oregon.

In 1954, he worked throughout Idaho and Eastern Washington.  The grocery business took him to Lewiston, Idaho, in 1958, where he worked with Rocky Raugh and ;Country' Johnny Miller.

He played at the Wenatchee Eagles for five years in the early 60's with Ivan Wood and Cleo

Gilstrap. Bill moved to Seattle in 1968, where he met the man who became, and remains, his best friend: Bill Garner.

From 1969 to 1979, along with Sonny Horton and Don Gillespie, he. formed ,a Western Swing trio. Their tight swing sound and their vocal harmonies allowed them to enjoy steady work.

 Through the 80's, Bill worked with other groups, including, in his words: "The Northwest's finest swing band -Don Berkshire and the Bootleggers." One of his proudest moments was getting to 'jam' with the late Tiny Moore at the Auburn Eagles.

He is a charter member and still a strong supporter of the Seattle Western Swing Society, has served four years on the Board as President. He is proud of his association with many fine Western Swing musicians in California and Canada.

Bill was inducted into the POWS in 1997.

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