From ROCspace News:
Ken Cook, manager of national promotions for EMI Gospel and well-known gospel music executive, died Monday, March 16, 2009 at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, TN, after a long battle with colon cancer. He was 37 years old.
A staple in the gospel music industry for many years, Ken was not only one of the most loved and well-respected men in gospel, he had many friends and recording artists who leaned on his expertise and his love for gospel music. Most recently, Ken worked as Manager, National Promotions for EMI Gospel from April 2006 to August of 2008. Before joining EMI Gospel, Ken worked in the gospel radio promotions department for Malaco Records and Sony Music. In these roles, Ken’s job and passion was to get the hottest gospel music in rotation on as many radio stations as he could reach.
While at Sony Music, Ken worked with artists like Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett, Anointed and Men of Standard. His love for gospel music was infectious and resulted in national airplay for such chart-topping songs like “Heaven” (Mary Mary) and “Victory” (Tye Tribbett).
During his tenure at EMI Gospel, Ken worked projects from Myron Butler, Kierra “KiKi” Sheard, to West Angeles COGIC Mass Choir & Jason Champion, to name a few.
In July 2008, Radio & Records Industry Achievement Awards in the Gospel category nominated Ken Cook as Label Promotion Executive Of The Year.
From Radio & Records:
Cook is survived by his wife, Dolli, and will be laid to rest on Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m. at New Life COGIC Church, 5000 Patterson Rd., Montgomery, AL 36116.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Ken T. Cook Cancer Support Fund. Send contributions to 4429 Benchmark Drive, Antioch, TN 37013 in care of Dolli Cook.
8 Comments
Leave A Comment
Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
Visit Today : 139
This Month : 29685
I knew Ken while attending Alabama State University. I was saddened when I heard he passed. He will be greatly missed. I know that God does not make mistakes so Rest On Ken we will see you again!
I met Ken while attending ASU. He was like a breath of fresh air. He could instantly light up any room. I was shocked to hear the news. I am so happy he got a chance to live his dream. When he was in college he talked about working the the music industry. It’s not how long you live, it’s how full you live your life. My thougts and prayers are with Dolli and the rest of the family.
My prayers go out to his family and friends. God makes no mistake. We will see him on that great day.
I am saddened yet rejoicing over his life. I have known Ken for at least 16 years; he is my eldest sons god- brother (George Stewart and wife are my sons god-parents). I am mostly saddened that I did not get a chance say goodbye becasue I have not seen him in over 5 years. He will truly be missed. To his wife, God promised to send a comforter! Be blessed and Trust God even when you can’t trace Him!
As I sit looking at all the other blogs about Ken it is truly mind blowing to me that we are commenting about his death wow! Ken an I attended the same church, he was a fellow choir and praise team member. To know Ken was really an honor and life changing experience because he really did impact the life of whomever he met. To see Dolli in church without Ken and not seeing him run up to the podium screaming”preach pastor!” is going to take some getting use to but if we live right we’ll see him again.
Ken was a fellow co-worker and church member and he was truly a great man of God. All I can say is when God puts someone on your heart please began to pray on their behalf. God never makes mistakes. He was an awesome praiser and now he is worshipping and praising with the father. God bless his family and keep them in perfect peace.
cjp.
I met Ken & Dolli through my wife and he excepted me like I was his brother, friend and BOY! Ken had a great Heart he knew how to encourage and to help get other back on the right track. One thing I knew about Ken was that if he did it you did it too he was not selfish. He wanted other to experience what he got the chance too. Also he love to have the chance to get the MIC (LOL) then he would respond by saying ME! Ken you will be missed Man but we will see you again. You asked me something one day and I will keep my word! Love You Broo
I met Ken when i was attending my Uncle’s church at New Life. Upon first meeting him, it was nothing for him to call me up to help with praise and worship at the mother church, but that is how he was. He didn’t know me that well then, other than I was the Pastor’s neice, but he never met a stranger that he did not embrace. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are for the family and many friends because all have been touched by the life and legacy of Ken Cook.