Rare Gems: Robert Brookins- Come to Me
Maybe you’ve heard his name. Maybe you haven’t. But one thing’s for sure—you’ve heard his work.
As Andrew Hamilton of AllMusic put it, "The often overused term multi-talented is true to its definition when referring to Robert F. Brookins."
Robert Brookins was the kind of talent who could make a song sparkle whether he was behind the mic, behind the board, or behind the scenes. He may not have reached household-name status as a solo artist, but his fingerprints are all over some of the smoothest and most memorable R&B of the 1980s and 1990s.
The Multi-Talented Force Behind the Music
Brookins was a singer, songwriter, producer, and session musician who had the rare ability to blend silky vocals with masterful arrangements. Despite releasing only three solo albums—In The Night (1986), Let It Be Me (1988), and Something You Can Make Love To (2002)—Brookins remained a sought-after creative force behind the scenes. Many of his compositions, while underappreciated on his own records, became hits when recorded by other artists.
A LEGACY WORTH REVISITING
While his own chart success was modest, many of his songs for other artists became bona fide hits. While his name may not have topped the Billboard R&B charts as often as it should have, Brookins’ contributions to the genre were immense. His producer credits read like a who’s who of 80s and 90s R&B royalty: Bobby Brown, Stephanie Mills, Christopher Williams, and so many more. From quiet storm ballads to upbeat funk-infused grooves, Brookins brought a unique blend of musical sophistication and emotional depth that made his work timeless.
It’s one of music history’s great ironies—some of his best material soared to the top of the charts… just not with his own name on it.
One standout example of his brilliance comes from his 1986 debut. Come To Me— a smooth, soulful, and perfectly crafted track—sounds like a quintessential 80s R&B hit that should have dominated radio. Instead, it remains one of those “if you know, you know” deep cuts cherished by true music lovers.
Come to Me - Robert Brookins
