Elkie Brooks in their early career by introducing them at several venues. She went on to tour the United States with several bands, including the Animals. She also toured the then communist Poland with Jon Lord's Artwoods. After she met Pete Gage, whom she would marry, she joined the short-lived blues rock fusioneers Dada before forming Vinegar Joe with Gage and Robert Palmer. Brooks gained the reputation as the wild woman of rock 'n' roll due to her wild stage performances. After three albums, they split up in 1974, and Brooks and Palmer pursued separate solo careers. After a time as backing
Elkie Brooks the Rain" came from this album. That same year, Brooks duetted with Cat Stevens in the song, "Remember the Days of the Old Schoolyard". The albums "Shooting Star" (1978) and "Live and Learn" (1979) also saw success along with the singles "Lilac Wine" and "Don't Cry Out Loud". However, her polished, powerful cover of Gallagher and Lyle's "The Runaway", with the Scottish singer-songwriters themselves on backing vocals, was only a minor chart entry. In 1980, Brooks performed at the Knebworth Festival with the Beach Boys, Santana and Mike Oldfield. "Pearls", released in 1981 achieved the biggest success of her career.