In 1901, Detroit was in the early stages of its industrial boom but still maintained much of its 19th-century charm. At that time, the city had a population of approximately 285,000, showing rapid growth fueled by immigration, industry, and new transportation developments. While the automobile industry had not yet exploded (Ford’s Model T would come in 1908), Detroit was already a manufacturing hub, particularly for shipbuilding (18:50 reference), stoves, and railroad cars (11:05, 14:43). When Shelton Brooks moved from Canada to Detroit in 1901, the city's lively musical environment, rooted in ragtime and vaudeville, played a significant role in shaping his career. Detroit was evolving into an entertainment hub, and Brooks found opportunities as a ragtime pianist in nightclubs and theatres, performing both music and comedy. His exposure to these venues laid the foundation for his future as a songwriter and performer in vaudeville circuits across the U.S. and Canada. Brooks was particularly influenced by the popularity of African American vaudeville entertainers like Bert Williams, whose comedic style and success as a Black performer inspired Brooks to pursue comedy and mimicry. This blend of music, humor, and theatrical performance became central to his career as he later toured with prominent vaudeville companies and wrote iconic hits like "Some of These Days" and "The Darktown Strutters' Ball"
The smile on Shelton Brooks's face tells us that it is wonderful to share good stories, and perfect or not, it's the sharing, not the perfection that counts.
Let us not forget the classical ballet prima donna who, when 95ish, and wheelchair-bound, when she heard the music she danced to before, she began a lovely dance in her chair just as elegant as she could. It's the same for Shelton. We must treasure this video.
