Lee Brilleaux

• Name — Lee Brilleaux • Landscape — yes • Birth Name — Lee John Collinson • Born — 10 May 1952 • Birthplace — Durban, South Africa • Died — 7 April 1994 • Place of death — Canvey Island, Essex, England • Genre — Rock, pub rock, R&B • Occupation — Singer, songwriter, musician • Instrument — Vocals, guitar, harmonica • Years Active — 1970–1994 • Label — Stiff Records • Associated Acts — Dr Feelgood

Lee Brilleaux was born in Durban, South Africa, to English parents, was brought up in Ealing, and moved to Canvey Island with his family when he was 13. After leaving school he was employed as a solicitor's clerk, a job he kept until United Artists signed Dr. Feelgood in 1974.

Brilleaux co-founded Dr. Feelgood with Wilko Johnson in 1971 and was the band's lead singer, harmonica player, and occasional guitarist. According to one obituary: "Brilleaux and Johnson developed a frantic act, often charismatically dressed in dark suits and loose ties, shabby rather than smart. The rough, and almost ruthless, edge which ran through his vocal and harmonica style reflected the character and philosophy of the band." In 1976, Brilleaux helped found Stiff Records, one of the driving forces of the "New Wave" of the mid- to late-1970s, with a loan of £500. Johnson left Dr. Feelgood in April 1977 but Brilleaux continued the band, quickly replacing Johnson with Gypie Mayo on guitar. In 1978, Brilleaux played harmonica on a track on David Coverdale's Northwinds album. By 1984 he was the only remaining founder member of Dr. Feelgood. In 1986, he recorded the album Brilleaux, featuring songs by Johnny Cash. His last performance was in January 1994, at the Dr. Feelgood Music Bar in Canvey Island.

Brilleaux died on 7 April 1994 of lymphoma, a month before his 42nd birthday, in his home in Canvey Island.