Brötzmann is among the most important European free jazz musicians. His rough, lyrical timbre is easily recognized on his many recordings.
He studied painting in Wuppertal, but grew dissatisfied with art galleries and exhibitions; he has not abandoned his art training, however: Brötzmann has designed most of his own album covers. He first taught himself to play various clarinets, then saxophones, and began playing with double bassist Peter Kowald.
For Adolphe Sax, Brötzmann's first recording, was released in 1967 and featured Kowald, drummer Sven-Ake Johansson and pianist Fred Van Hove.
Brötzmann has since recorded or performed with many musicians, including Cecil Taylor, Evan Parker, Han Bennink, Bill Laswell, William Parker, Willem Breuker, Ken Vandermark, and Brötzmann's son, Casper Brötzmann a notable guitarist in his own right.