By CASSIE MOORE / Guest Columnist

Author and songwriter Danny Brooks, also known as the “Texassippi Soul Man,” came back to the stage at the Shelby County Arts Council on Saturday, April 16 at 8 p.m.

Brooks found his passion for music in his early teens, influenced by Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll, and dreamt of singing on The Grand Ole Opry.

He spent 40 years on the road touring, writing and singing, spending time recording in Muscle Shoals with artists like David Hood, Spooner Oldham and Scott Boyer.

He describes much of his early music career as a dark time in his life, in which he struggled with addiction.

In a life-changing event during Brooks’ struggle to remain clean, he had the opportunity to perform with Brownie McGhee.

After the performance Brownie took hold of his arm and, with a kindness Brooks would never forget, said “Son, fo’ a white boy, you sho’ nuff got a suntan on the inside.”

In his book, “Miracles for Breakfast,” Brooks tells his story about how faith helped him overcome his addictions.

His music is sincere and contains honest writing about the experiences and challenges in his life.

Performing in both Canada and the Unites States, Brooks is often accompanied by his wife, “Lil Miss Debbie.”

His music was featured on the popular television shows ABC Family’s “The Fosters,” and Fox’s “New Girl.”

Today, his music encompasses a mix of Southern Soul, Americana, Blues, Gospel and the best of Texas and Mississippi.

“Life is precious, “ Brooks says, “And we need to make the best of what we have left of it.”