John Benson Brooks (February 23, 1917 – November 13, 1999) was an influential American jazz pianist, songwriter, arranger, and composer, born in Houlton, Maine, and later based in New York City. He began his career as an arranger for prominent bands led by Randy Brooks, Les Brown, Boyd Raeburn, and Tommy Dorsey. Brooks collaborated with lyricists such as Eddie DeLange and Bob Russell, co-writing the hit song "Just as Though You Were Here" for Tommy Dorsey, featuring Frank Sinatra. Another notable composition with Russell was "You Came a Long Way from St. Louis," recorded by Ray McKinley in 1948.

In the mid-1950s, Brooks ventured into modern jazz, working with saxophonists Zoot Sims and Al Cohn on "Folk Jazz U.S.A." His compositions were known for blending folk music elements with jazz and dodecaphony. In 1958, he composed the "Alabama Concerto," recorded with notable musicians like Cannonball Adderley and Art Farmer. Brooks's friendship with Gil Evans led to Evans recording Brooks's works, including "Sirhan's Blues" and "Where Flamingos Fly," co-written with Harold Courlander and Elthea Peale.

Brooks's personal life included multiple marriages, starting with Helen Walton Hughes in 1939, followed by Elthea Peale in 1953, and Frances Jones Boyeson in 1961. He passed away at his Manhattan home at the age of 82, survived by his wife Peggy and two daughters from his first marriage.

Brooks's discography includes "Folk Jazz USA" (1956), "Alabama Concerto" (1958), and "Avant Slant" (1968). His work remains a testament to his innovative contributions to jazz and his ability to transcend traditional songwriting boundaries.