Elkie Brooks has spent more than six decades entertaining audiences, but the 81-year-old singer has a surprising secret to staying energized.
The British blues legend, known as the British Queen of Blues, isn’t just staying active; she’s still training in martial arts decades after earning her black belt.
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View this post on InstagramIn a recent interview with The Guardian, Brooks opened up about the fitness routine that has helped her stay onstage and feel her best well into her 80s. And she has quite a few reasons to be proud of her progress.
Elkie Brooks Still Trains in Karate at 81
Brooks revealed that she earned her karate black belt in 1995 and hasn’t stopped training since.
“I’m very active,” she said. “I still train now, which is one of the reasons why I managed to get into this jumpsuit 50 years later.”
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The singer also revealed that she underwent hip surgery in 2025 after doctors discovered an old injury. Despite that setback, she said she’s feeling better than ever.
“Last year I had a hip operation and, blinking heck, I have felt fantastic ever since,” she told The Guardian. “I did six backdrops this morning.”
The Singer Has Other Healthy Habits, Too
Martial arts aren’t the only part of Brooks’ approach to staying healthy. She also revealed that she has changed her eating and drinking habits over the years.
The singer, who once enjoyed Guinness and brandy before performances, said she hasn’t had a drink before going onstage in nearly 50 years.
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“I don’t want to ruin a workout the next day,” she explained.
She also has a surprisingly specific food rule. After discovering that eating cheeseburgers gave her pimples, she said she hasn’t eaten one since 1974. Instead, she enjoys hummus, fruit and nuts.
Elkie Brooks Is Still Enjoying Her Music Career
Brooks’ energy is especially impressive given how long she’s been performing. Born Elaine Bookbinder, she began singing as a child and went on to perform alongside the Beatles before finding success with bands including Dada and Vinegar Joe, which she formed with Robert Palmer.
Her solo career produced hits including “Pearl’s a Singer,” “Sunshine After the Rain” and “Don’t Cry Out Loud.”
Now, as she celebrates more than 60 years in music, Brooks is touring across the United Kingdom for The Long Farewell Tour and performing with her current band.
“Not only do I feel great, but for the first time in years I’ve actually got a band I like,” she said. “I’m thoroughly enjoying myself—and plan to keep doing so.”
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