Joseph Brooks (songwriter)
Joseph Brooks (born March 11, 1938) is an American screenwriter, director, producer and composer. He composed the hit song "You Light Up My Life" for the film of the same name that he also wrote, directed and produced.
In October 1977 "You Light Up My Life" reached #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 popularity charts where it held the top position for 10 consecutive weeks, which was then the longest run at #1 in the chart's history. With sales of over four million copies in the United States alone, the song ultimately became the biggest hit of the 1970s. It also hit #1 Adult Contemporary and was even a Top 10 'Country' single. The passionate ballad also earned Brooks a Grammy Award for Song Of The Year as well as an Academy Award for Best Original Song, a Golden Globe Award and an American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Award. The song was Debby Boone's first solo hit record and only Top 40 Pop hit.
He also composed music for the film The Lords of Flatbush and co-produced Eddie and the Cruisers.
On December 10, 2010, Brooks' son, Nicholas "Nick" Brooks, was charged with the attempted murder and strangulation of deceased swimsuit designer Sylvie Cachay. No explanation was given for the charge of attempted murder.[1]
Indictment
In June 2009, Joseph Brooks was accused of sexual assault by four different women over incidents that occurred between March and May 2008. He allegedly lured the women to his apartment to audition for movie roles.[2] He was indicted on June 23, 2009. He is currently being tried by Manhattan's state Supreme court for 91 counts and charged with rape, sexual abuse, criminal sexual act, assault, and other charges.[3] The grand jury heard more evidence on December 17, 2009, because two new witnesses came forward. As of December 2010, his trial had not yet begun.[4].
Theater credits
- Metropolis (1989), West End musical – composer, co-lyricist
- In My Life (2005), Broadway musical – writer, composer, lyricist
Films
- Invitation to a Wedding -- (1983)
- If Ever I See You Again -- Director (1978)
- You Light Up My Life -- Director (1977)
References
- Press, Jaques Cattell (Ed.). ASCAP Biographical Dictionary of Composers, Authors and Publishers, fourth edition, R. R. Bowker, 1980.
Notes
- ^ "Sylvie Cachay, Va. native fashion designer, found dead in N.Y.; boyfriend charged", The Washington Post. Retrieved 2010-12-11.
- ^ "NY director accused of attacking wannabe actresses", Associated Press / Huffington Post, January 13, 2009
- ^ "Oscar-winning composer, 71, 'raped 11 women using Craigslist to lure victims with promise of film role'", The Daily Mail. Retrieved 2010-12-11.
- ^ "Ex-Boyfriend Faces Judge In Criminal Court" CBS, December 11th, 2010
External links
   | This article about an American songwriter is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |