Every so often (about every 1-2 months) the debates rage on SG message board sites about “Who is the greatest (fill in the voice part here) of all time.” Tenors seem to be the most common asked about, since it is the flashiest part (sorry lead and bass singers). A screaming high tenor is one of the hallmarks of SG music. When this makes the rounds, the usual suspects are named. Current guys like Phelps, Free, Parrack, Haase, and then legends like Crumpler, Rozell, Shaw, Wynn, and the ilk. There is one name that is consistently left out, even though he had the rare ability to sing in the stratosphere without the thin, nasally sound, yet could also sing a smooth lower tenor lead just as well. He was a stand in for a legendary female performer when he broke on the SG scene, then in later years really defined the sound of the Statesmen Quartet. If you haven’t guessed it by now, I’m speaking of the late Johnny Cook. Cook had a unique timbre to his voice, and he could sing through the roof with power and quality (“Looking for a City”, anyone?), yet in his later years with the Statesmen he really defined the sound of the group, and his performances of “Sinners Plea” and “Every Eye Shall See” on the first CD of the reformed Statesmen are impeccable.
However, I’m not really posting this to prove that Cook is the greatest of all time, that is strictly a matter of opinion. However, I do wonder why he is not regarded as one of the best tenors ever. He had the voice, the range, and the ability to truly sell a song with strong, emotive vocals. So why is Johnny Cook so forgotten? Is he a legend? I don’t think so, as he didn’t have the longevity in the forefront of SG like the true legends (Shaw, Rozell, etc.) , but he definitely was one of the top tenors in terms of vocal quality. Why isn’t he more highly regarded?
That is a very appropriate question.
There is no doubt that Cook was an excellent tenor.
He’s a superb tenor, no question. I think the main reasons he isn’t as well appreciated today as he should be is that (a) he didn’t stay for long enough with one group and (b) too little of his catalog of recordings is available (new).
His career was too short compared to so many others. He was a joy to listen to – but there are many “great tenors” who do not last a decade.
JEB
Burkes’ brain works again.
PJ / The Prophets
Everyone should take a good listen to “Child Of The King”, on the Goodmas DVD “Live In Texas”. This is a stellar example of pure,great tenor singing.
Nothing beats Johnny Cook’s “Looking for a City,” especially the competitions with Vestal Goodman to see which one could sing the highest, which Johnny always won.
I have researched but unable to anything about the cause of Johnny Cook’s death. I would like to know the cause of death.
Wes, I somehow stumbled across this post today, and it reminded me of something. A few years ago, my dad was insulted by a former full-time SGM bass singer (and legend in his own mind) by saying he sounded too much like Johnny Cook.
I’d have said, “Thank you!” LOL
Zelda, Johnny Cook passed away due to kidney failure.
There is no doubt that Johnny was THE BEST Tenor from the time he started in 1970. He could hold a note longer than any other singer, and never lost the pitch. HE is singing with Angels in Heaven today. A high E flat was fun for him, then make it higher He was simply the best….. Any wonder why no one wants to tell of his VOICE, He was the best
Not only was a fantastic tenor with unbelievable range, He sang with charisma!
I looked up his biography, but its not very detailed. Is there a complete biography?
There will be a complete biography of Johnny’s life on the website of Johnny Cook in the near future.
There is so much that could be told of this great man and his Voice. He was only twenty when he came on the gospel music scene. And he had a great impact on the music.
I don’t wonder what caused Johnny to die. Death is Natural, caused from natural illness. What really hurts me is that Johnny is Gone. We can’t wait and get his next album. All we have of him is all there will ever be.
I watch or listen to CD’s of him and my heart aches. He was the best. And there will never be another Johnny Cook.
I hurt because I know he would have still been out there singing, but God called him Home.
Johnny we know we will see you again one day.
Berni- Bernising You tube
Bless the Cook Family
Could someone please tell me what happened to Johnny Cook? Was he married? Did he have any kids? How did he die? I can’t seem to find any of this information anywhere on the web.
[...] For those that are curious, the most viewed blog of all time here at Burke’s Brainwork is The Most Underrated, Unappreciated Tenor of All Time which currently sits at 348 views. I thought it would be appropriate to include a clip of this [...]
Yes, I do agree with others on here that Mr. Cook def was one of the great tenors or the best in SG. How many (men) could stand in for the Queen of Gospel Music, Vestal Goodman? Just the videos of him ‘competing’ with Vestal on “Looking For A City” was so impressive to me!
Also wanted to mention the huge contribution, that The Happy Goodman’s had towards SG music. Remember seeing them many times as a younger person with my folks and they sure could perform and seemed to love what they did. Rusty was a great songwriter and singer on his own and I will always have great memories of this family!
JOHNNY COOK was without a doubt the greatest tenor the Gospel world has ever been privileged to hear. As of this date, I have not heard another tenor who can replace him.
So many people loved Johnny’s voice and Johnny himself if you ever met him. I was privileged to do so back in the
1980’s when he was travelling solo. I had previously heard him in the 1970’s when he came to our town 2 different times with the Happy Goodman Family.
I lost track of Johnny Cook and inquired numerous times of his whereabouts. About a year ago I decided to once again enter his name in an online search – and there it was – The Johnny Cook Guest Book – it is available now and you will love reading the hundreds of messages posted there. I obviously was not the only person still trying to find Johnny.
Yes, Johnny was married and had three sons. His son Kevin is compiling a CD of Johnny, hopefully to be released in the near future. You will learn more about this on the website referenced above.
Johnny sang with the Happy Goodman Family and the Statesmen Quartet and traveled solo for a number of years.
There are many records, cassettes and CD’s published that include Johnny and many solo albums featuring his beautiful tenor voice. I have many of them but am still searching for a few I do not have. References to many of these recordings are listed on the website mentioned above.
It has been stated that Johnny did not stay with any one group very long. Perhaps I can explain the reason for that -
Johnny received his call to preach the gospel, was ordained and Pastored a church in Alabama. He was called home at an early age in the year 2000, dying of kidney failure. Thank God we have his music to inspire us even today and I can hardly wait to enter the Gates and hear that beautiful voice echoing through the Halls of Heaven.
It is sad, but true, that Johnny Cook has not received the recognition he deserved. He was an humble young man and would not expect any glory on this earth but I believe he should be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall Of Fame.
We should not be sad that he is gone but rather we should be thankful we had the privilege to know him and hear
The Voice.
In the early 1980’s, soon after I was born again (to my utter astonishment! and in spite of everything I could do to avoid it!), I began attending a small charismatic church where both the Pastor and his wife loved to sing, with such a marvelous and joyous abandon that even I joined in. One day a guest singer came in, named Johnny Cook. As he took the mike he warned the little congregation, with a twinkle in his eye, “I sing high, and I sing loud, and I love the Lord Jesus, so get ready.” Well…bless my soul! I’m glad he warned us! I still vividly recall experiencing “Long Winding Road”, “Through the Blood”, “Singing to a New Song”, and “The Lord’s Prayer”, among others. Such volume! Such purity of voice! Such a presence of the Holy Spirit! I hardly remember what he looked like, because my eyes were full of tears of joy most of the time he was singing. I bought a “Life Stream” cassette tape, and for many mornings afterward I woke to Johnny singing. I recently found that tape again, and tho it squeaks and stops in places, I still love to listen. A couple of weeks ago, when I surfed to see how to get his music on cd or something, I learned that Johnny has been called home, and now that his son Kevin is producing a set of his music. Lord, I pray that you bless that effort! Amen!
Thanks to Steven,
You just gave me another album or Cd to look for in my search for Johnny’s music.
I grew up listening to gospel music and in a family that sang Gospel music all over the south west. However, with all the talent I have met through my many years in that field, I have yet to hear anyone that could sing like Johnny Cook. Not only could he sing the words, he could melt your heart with that voice and the tone. So much emotion and spirit in songs he sing. He touched so many people’s heartsand souls. He used music the way a minister preaches from the pulpit to touch the heart. Come visit ” You Tube ” and “The Johnny Cook Tribute ” Site. Read the letters and heart rending stories of people whose lives were changed after hearing Johnny sing. Johnny had a gift, he had class, and he was filled with love for singing of God. In other words he was annointed to sing. We lost him much too soon, but God saw a need to call him home. But his music is still calling out to the masses to come to God today. His life is still a testimony. Thanks and God bless all of you on here. Berni-sing, You Tube. Berni
I love his music. I too was trying to research information on Johnny Cook. I had heard it was liver failure but it must have been wrong.
Like some of you …I was trying to find out some updated info on the ”GREAT JOHNNY COOK” . I think he was the greatest tenor of all time.THE BEST ” I have never heard anyone with a magnificient voice such as his. I saw him many years ago when he was performing with the Happy Goodman Family. The first time I saw him was when Sister Vestal was sick and he was taking her place in the group. ”What A Beautiful Day” a song on their newest album had just been released. When they sang that . I was a Johnny fan for life. I saw him perform several times after that..when Sister Vestal was back with the group and they sang ”Looking For A City” oh my ! I will never forget that night.
I didn’t know what happend to him until I found this site. I am still so sad to know he is no longer here with us . He is now singing for our Blessed Lord. God Bless he precious soul and his family.
I found a cd just the other day at a thrift shop. Titled ”Johnny Cook He Is The Real Thing”. It has a song on there that I dearly love …I’ve been listening to it all day ”No Never Alone” and ”On Silver Wings”. The cd didn’t have the insert that tells who wrote the songs and I cant find any info on this cd. I have several of his albums and the one where he is performomg with the Goodman’s. This was the first cd I have ever seen of his. I am so happy to know his son is working on producing a set of his music. Cant wait to buy this one.
I heard that Johnny went into Ministry and was not singing anymore. I am still so shocked to know he is gone.
I cant believe the other groups never mention his name when they are talking about all the great ones that are no longer with us. In my opinion ”Johnny Cook” is the greatest tenor and deserves the best recognition of anyone ever.
Rest In Peace ”The VOICE” precious Johnny Cook” you are missed by your fans.
Annie, S.
To answer some of your questions about Johnny. Johnny passed on May 14th of 2000. He died from Kidney failure in the hospital in Huntsville ,Alabama, His family by his side. He was buried in Tenn. near his home.
Johnny did go into the ministry. He pastored a Baptist church in Courtland ,Ala. for sometime. Then went back into music as a solo traveling with his own group, in his own bus. His family traveled with him to different concerts at times.
He was in poor health in the late ‘90,s.
He sang with The Statesmen in the early and mid ‘90,s untill Hovie Lister became ill with cancer and the group quit singing .Bill Gaither help get the Statesman together one last time, then Hovie became ill.–thanks Bill.
On the album you mention, Johnny did the arrangement on the song.” No Never Alone” I think it is the best arrangement of that old song I have ever heard. Just another of his talents. You know he played the piano and guitar and another instrument or two. God surely blessed Johnny with talent .and a voice that can’t matched anywhere.
There are several places on You Tube that you can hear Johnny’s songs…on Channels—- LLgas, Moondoggy22, bernising, Donsportal, Hoover,
If I have forgotten anyone I am sorry, but those users have Johnny’s music and all they can find.
We all support his music and ” LLgas “and myself “bernising” feature him.
Johnny sang with the Florida Boys for a time. The Voices Triumphant, The Johnny Cook Trio, The Melody Masters , The Goodmans family, The Song Masters, The Statesman. Then for a while Johnny, Rusty, Sam and Tanya, Goodman sing together as a group. There was another group or two, but you will have to look on my playlist to see who they are, because I can’t remember all of them.
Vestel kept in touch with Johnny and they were friends until both had gone on home to Heaven.
Johnny is revered by many many people and all loved him and still do. . Many ask for his music and still are being brought to the lord by his songs. There is a Guest book.” Johnny Cooks Guest Book,” put on the web by his son.
God bless you and I hope some of your questions are answered. and you can find more about Johnny on the PC., Bernising
Bernice,
Do you or anyone else know what has happened to “A Tribute to Johnny Cook” site by Kevin Cook? I have had it bookmarked for a long time but everytime in the past few weeks I have tried to go to it, an error message comes up. I did a search tonight to see if I could find it and found this site. I know you wrote in to the other site alot so thought maybe you know what is going on. I enjoy reading what people say about Johnny’s singing and check it often(I grew up with Johnny). I thought maybe Kevin is working on it causing the site to be down. Any idea?
Glad I found this site in my search. Everyone here seems to appreciate Johnny’s talent and loves to hear good Southern Gospel singing.
Bernice,
Thank you so much for all the information. I looked through a lot of my old albums and have already found 4 that Johnny is on with The Goodman’s and he is featured on almost all of the songs on two of them. There may be more. I also have one of Johnny’s that he autographed for me at one of their concerts.
We have a ”Lifeway” store in my town that has much Gospel music. I am going one day to see if they have any of Johnny’s music and if they don’t, I will ask if they can get it.
I am still so sad about his passing . All week I have been playing his music. His precious voice and words of ”No Never Alone ” has put such joy into my heart. I have two sister’s that dearly love his music as much as I do …well almost.
Thank you again and God Bless.
Love and miss you ”The Great Johnny Cook”.
Annie
I was watching some old goodmans videos on youtube and saw johnny singing with vestal , and truly he is one of or the greatest tenors I have ever heard. he is so smooth and pure and just had a God given talent I was saddened to hear that he had passed away,God Bless the Cook family.
Good Morning All.
My sister has a dvd of The Goodman’s ” LIVE IN TEXAS”. Sam introduces Johnny as being the newest member of the group.
He looks like a teenager. He sings ”Looking For A City” with the great Sister Vestal…of course he wins .
She let me bring the dvd home with me to watch this week .
I have enjoyed it so much . They also sing one of my favorites
”Want It Be Wonderful There”. I’m not sure of the date of the concert …probably in the 70’s.
Many years ago …in the 70’s in Nashville TN. They had the ”Baptist Southern Gospel Music Singing Convention” each year in Sept. It was two weeks …as I recall … of the greatest singing around with all the best groups performing each night. ”Johnny Cook ” The Happy Goodman’s” The Hinson’s”, The Florida Boy’s, The Stamp’s, The Oak Ridge Boy’s The Rambo’s, The Inspirations …just to name a few.
Me, my Sister, and some friends always went as many nights as possible. I will never forget this wonderful time in my life.
There is nothing better to Bless your soul than to hear this great southern Gospel music. It was a time that was so relaxed . You would meet many of them walking through the halls . They would stop and talk with you …such a special time.
We all have stacks of albums that we bought each night at the concert.
We also saw ” The Happy Goodman’s and Johnny perform at Church’s around our town on Sunday afternoons. What a great time this was.
The Great Johnny Cook had the most unique voice…so clear was each word he sang…with such purity as no one else I have heard to this day.
There will never be anyone ever again with a voice such as his. mo
Blessing’s to all his family . Annie
I am somewhat confused about Johnny’s death. I offer this explanation simply as a possible reason for his constant omission from that list of the greatest ever. I spoke with someone VERY close to him a couple of years before HER death and understood her to say that Johnny, in his last years, had turned his back on SGM, Christianity and the industry,and inisted that no SGM be played at his funeral. I also was given a very disparaging reason for his liver failure. I was told a reason for his inability to last very long with a group was an ego problem. Has no one else ever heard this? If true, that is possibly why industry “gurus” don’t include him. But I have, since hearing this side of the story, prayed that it was not true. For as a SGM singer, minister of music, and Johnny Cook fan, I can’t bring myself to believe it. Truly, his was a gift from God, and he is probably rehearsing that song written by the Father himself, that angels cannot sing. No doubt, Johnny is THE lead tenor in heavens choir! I look forward to singing with him one day!
Was just reading your comments about Johnny Cook, especially where you were told that Johnny had turned his back on SGM and wanted none of it at his funeral. Please let me assure you that this was absolutely NOT THE TRUTH.
The fact is, Johnny’s funeral was filled with southern gospel music and he NEVER turned his back on it. It is amazing the rumors that are spread about people. People should just be silent about things they don’t know. Many people have tried to destroy Johnny’s reputation and I cannot understand why. Johnny suffered a great deal of illness towards the end of his life and died at an early age. Also
there was absolutely no EGO PROBLEM with Johnny – he was an extremely humble person. I know you were only commenting about what you had heard but I did want to set this straight so you would know the true story.
For those of you looking for some of Johnny’s music -
check on EBay frequently, under both Johnny Cook and also The Statesmen Quartet (there have been several CD’s on EBay recently – entitled “O My Lord, What A Time”. Johnny is featured in every song and you will love this recording.
You can find the DVD “Live In Arlington, Texas, 1974″ by clicking on the Happy Goodman website.
Frank, I am not sure what happened to Johnny towards the end of his life or exactly what caused his death. I am a friend to his son Kevin and have never asked questions about this because the family wishes to have privacy in this matter and I respect their wishes. I do not for one moment believe that Johnny was egotistical. He was, in fact, a very sincere and humble person. I do know he had a great love for his Savior and I truly believe he is in Heaven today, singing with the Angels.
Hello All.,
Johnny was a fine person, Joan and Lora and myself know Kevin, Johnny’s son. We think a lot of that young man and Johnny too, also the rest of the family.
Johnny was proud of his voice and talent, but I don’t believe he was egotistical about it. In Fact he was humble and very annointed.And no one could have been a better trooper with the groups he traveled with.He had a great sense of humor.
The DVD of “Alive in Texas” was made in 1974 in Arlington ,Texas. Johnny by that time was married and had a child or two with Kaylin. John was born in 1949 and started singing early. Vestal first heard him when he was nineteen, and she said he was the best Tenor she had heard in 25 years.
I don’t think Johnny had trouble with any group, it was like with the Statesmen ,someone got sick, or the groups formed other groups as did Johnny, Rusty, Sam and Tanya Goodman when Vestal and Howard slowed down.
Johnny ’s father Paul Cook passed on in 1970 right when Johnny was getting into Big time Gospel. They were a private and close family, by nature.
Somethings you may have heard are possibly just gossip. I would tell you to just listen to all of the music and Thank God we had Johnny. Listen to the voice with all the annointing and feeling and thats what God would want you to do. Thank God he let us have Johnny for thirty years. Johnny was 51 when he passed on. May he rest in Peace in Heaven and sing forever up there. God Bless all of you, Berni-bernising
Here is some info for those of you who worry that the industry does not recognize Johnny Cook.
Please go to The Gaithers site with the article of all the greats that have gone on. I think Johnny is on page 7. or 13. If that post has been deleted i will send you a copy , get in touch with me in a comment on here. Berni -Bernising
http://www.gaither.com/news/news.php?uid=1477
Here is a link for you to the Gaithers site. Johnny is on that. It has been there since eraly spring , So go read it soon or they may replace it with another article. Re: Johnny Cook,,,, Berni–Bernising You Tube
Good Morning Everyone,
Bernice, thank you for the info . I just read it and it made my heart feel good to read those wonderful word’s about Johnny.
I listen to his beautiful voice everyday . He will never be forgotton here on earth . God Bless his family and God Bless all of you.
Joan or Bernice , do you have any info about the music compilation of Johnny’s music that his son Kevin is working on?
I pray all have a Blessed Day .
Annie
Hi all, > First The Tribute site is back on. There was a problem with it. It was down for a time, but you can go back I think on your same book mark
Also , don’t forget to go to the guest page’s and read all of the letters about Johnny.–over 500. You can click on it from the Tribute site up in the right corner. I think some should be censored, but it isn’t my site and God is our only judge.
Johnny’s ministry speaks for his dedication to God.
Johnny was a great man and a wonderful singer.He was still singing with the Statesmen when Hovie got sick from Cancer and had to stop. That was in the mid 90’s.
I haven’t talked to Kevin , but Joan may have. But I think the Christmas album may be the one that comes out first. I know Kevin is a very busy guy –all the time.
Joan’s place was hit by the Hurricane, no damage to the house , but a lot of old oak trees were taken out. and half of Houston landed in her yard.–so she has been busy. I haven’t had a great time in the last few months with my health. But I listen to Johnny and promote him all I can. Lora works on videos practically around the clock.And trieds to help those needing answers about his music. Bless both of those ladies. We all love Johnny’s music and Wish we could do more.
Come see me and Lora on You tube. At— Bernising and– llgas, We have Johnny. Most of them Lora made. Look at my playlist for Johnny. .
I don’t comeon hee to talk about us, I come on to help you all know more about John and help you find places to get his music. Any questions?? I will be back next week, Love you all,May God Bless all of you– Berni- Bernising
God Bless all of you, Please write a letter to “The Tribute To Johnny Cook” site. ” Tenor of Tenors. Still singing in Glory.”
The letters are in the guestbook, and you can click on the guestbook in the upper right hand corner of the Tribute page. Also, look at the photos of Johnny and the many people he sang with in the photos.
You will be inspired by the many people that write in and tell that they have just given their life to God , because they have listened to records friends have played for them..Johnny would be blessed to know that–but then I guess he does know it as he watches from heaven.
Would Rhonda or Dreama that sang with Johnny contact me please. –Bernising, You Tube
Hi Everyone. God bless you all. Just found out that Eddie Crook ,the great pianist and song writer has gone to work with The Prophets Quartet. I would like to see them in concert.
You know as I heard it, Eddie and Rusty found Johnny Cook in Tenn, ne night at a concert and they liked that voice–Who didn’t like Johnny’s voice????
You might watch for them . I liked watching Eddie’s hands on the piano. He got more music out of that piano. Someone commented on that on You Tube.
I will try to see if Kevin will give me some news on the Cd’s, if I can catch him In his office or home. But won’t promise he will tell me. He wants it to surprize everyone.. Maybe Joan can get it out of him. Well what ever if it is Johnny,It will be good.
Another thing. I was listening to Johnny’s songs last night, and if you have listened to the Goodman’s long enough then even on Johnny’s solos, you can hear Eddie at the piano. I mean when Johnny was making his own records. Great sound. Eddie has his own style and sound.
Well they are going to charge me rent on here, But I love helping all of you that come on here for help. The guys all have their own site I think. Alli have is Bernising at You tube. , God Bless the Prophets, Come to Okla or North Texas, Berni
I note that several of you have asked when the new CD of Johnny will be released. I don’t think any of us have an answer to that, not even Kevin who is compiling this in memory and in honor of his Dad whom we loved very dearly.
Kevin is very busy in his job and is doing this project on the side. I know he has every intention of finishing this so do not give up hope. I am sure it will be released just as soon as everything has been completed to his satisfaction.
He wants to make it the very best it can be. We will all enjoy it whenever it is released.
Let’s all just pray for Kevin, that God will supply the extra time and strength he needs to complete the project.
God’s Blessings To All,
Joan Hopson
I just stumbled across your website because I was eagerly searching for some information about this phenominal tenor that I just heard-Johnny Cook
I was on youtube and came across him singing “Looking for a city” with Vestal Goodman and about fell out of my chair he was so unbelievable.
I had never heard of him and just had to find out the who what where and when’s of him and that is how I found this article on “one of the BEST tenors”
Funny isn’t it- that a young woman who didn’t even really care for the song “Looking for a city” came across it and heard a voice so clear and powerful that she can’t get it out of my mind.
Goodness-His voice was phenominal and I hope I can get him singing that song out of my mind so that I can sleep tonight
Anyhoo-the bottom line is- You must be right about his talent or what happened tonight could not have happened!!
Kim,. I am glad all of you have found Johnny on the You Tube and the Tribute site.
Kevin is working and trying to get all of the legalese worked out on recording Johnny’s music. It takes time, and we know all has to be right to get the CD’s out and legal.
Someone asked if Johnny was married. Yes he was married to Kaylin, and they had three sons, One which is Kevin of the Tribute site. Kevin remembers traveling on Johnny’s bus ,when he was a little child ,to his dad’s concerts. What a wonderful memory.
I am sorry but today I can’t think of Kaylin’s maiden name. I think Mayo or Jackson. Sorry. Many people remember her and knew her.
We were so blessed to have Johnny for the time we did, And he blessed us with a legacy of music. I am still trying to find a lot of his work. Joan, Rita , Lora and Kevin have sent me a lot. I love them for doing it Kevin is a good friend and like a son. God Bless you all. It has been a while since I have been on here. Sorry but haven’t deserted you all. Come see us on You tube, Bernising— berni
Kim , that is why Johnny’s music is needed today. So many people have come to the Lord through his singing, many since he passed on in May of 2000. He is still being sought out by all who hear him for the first time on You tube. Then we have to tell them he is already in Heaven. But honey what happened to you is happening all over, so many have never heard of him. That is why Kevin is working to get his dad’s music out. God bless you and tell your family and friends about Johnny Cook, the late Great Tenor. Bless you ,Berni —- bernising You tube
Hi everyone,
Back again. We are getting many letters on the Tribute site wanting to petition or contact the Music ssociations for Johnny to be induted to one of the Halls of Fame.
I think this would be the greatest honor he could get.
Just keep looking on these sites and maybe write your own letter to the Tribute site aabout Johnny indeucted in the Hall of Fame
Not anything new i caould tell you. We are just promoting Johnny on You Tube, “Bernising ,” ” Don’s portal” . ” llgass” and others. . Have a great easter. Berni–bernising
I need to edit my own letters. That is terrible. And i write for the news. LOL
I, too, was not aware that Johnny Cook passed away. Although I didn’t know him personally, I’ve been a fan for as long as he was singing and I don’t think that his ego got in his way. Most of the times that I’ve seen no recognition of a person is because of jealously. I am glad that I was able to hear his singing and one day be able to meet him.
Only this describes him ” HE WAS AND IS THE GREATEST ” but there are always nuts that try to tear wonderful people down. He is the bestto this day !
Thank Judi , you said it all. He was the greatest. We miss him. And we play his music everyday, or I do. I play it as I work on the PC and around the house. He fills my heart to overflowing on some of his songs. Others just carry me away in the spirit.
I get the greatest blessing featuring him on You Tube at Bernising. I get comments from people on there, some I get to minister to. So many have come to God through Johnny’s music since he passed on and that was nine years ago. What a blessing To stand in Heaven abd know you are still calling out to sinners on this earth through the records one made. I think Johnny knows that. Today he is singing in heaven while angels stand with their wings folded for they can not sing the song of the redeemed, but Johnny can. They must be in awe of this wonderful man. Jesus loved him for he gave Johnny many talents > I often sigh and think , Johnny we miss you , but soon we will be with you in Heaven.
All of you have asked about things you have heard. I will only say this because in every company or industry, there is a certain amount of jealousy, and in music also. Some do have more talent than others and get more recognition, Well this is ok, because they have more talent. This is ok, because they work harder to gain their status. This was Johnny. God just blessed him from the first time he opened his mouth to sing with annointing and talent.
Therefore I would suggest that you listen to his music and not inuendos from at large, because it hurts others and we don’t need that. Lift Johnny’s sites up in prayer and know we were fortunate to have him then and his music now. Pray for Kevin, he has a load to carry with his work and he is getting Those CD’s out as quickly as he can. and that is days work–everyday, in itself and many days.
I know there will be a big ad in Music News when he gets everything ready. Kevin told me that. So watch that maginzine . You can find it at Gospel & Bible book stores and some big book stores, like Barnes and Noble or Hastings. god Bless all of you, Stay faithful and God will bless you. Berni—bernising You tube.com
I am an Episcopalian….of the high church variety….that has never in my 54 years ever listened to Southern Gospel music…and then I saw the youtube video of Johnny Cook singing “Looking for a City” with Vestal Goodman. I was completely knocked off my seat!….all I can say is WOW!!!!
Hello,
I have just found your website. Thanks you so much for your efforts to call attention to “The Voice.” I very much agree with your comments. I try to keep in touch with Kevin, without being a pest, as he is so busy. I am anxiously awaiting the release of the project he is working on. Do you still have the article that was on the Gaither’s website? I cannot find it today and would love to add it to my collection. Thanks, again for your work. Hope you keep it up!
A. Lassiter
Alane. I still have it in print, but I don’t have it on here to scan. If i knew your mail Box I could send you a paper copy of it. It is a little long and I don’t have the time to put it back on here to scan. If I find a copy on the web I will copy it to this site and you can copy it. I may still have one in my bookmarks.
A lot is going on now around Johnny’s life. His mother has been ill and in the hospital. I hope the new CD’s and Johnny’s story has not upset her , she is elderly and I know she still misses her son. Pray that she will be ok.
I will look for a link for you or cut cnd copy it to this site, It may be a few days, thanks for qwriting , I don’t get on here much. I just came by today to check the mail. IF i have it I will put it up here. I also don’t have you E-mail address to mail it to you. Thank and God Bless, Bernising
Bernie, I have not yet had a chance to speak with Betty Cook as she became ill and was admitted to the hospital numerous times. The biography and CD have not been the reason for he illnesses. She is living with an aunt at this time. I am working on the biography but am hoping to meet Betty and Kevin later this year as I travel through Tennessee then I will be able to complete it. In the meantime, I have sold my home and am moving into an apartment so I have a lot to do. I would welcome your input into the biography – contact me at jrae@consolidated.net.
I would like to know more about Johnny Cook. He was such a blessing to the world and his voice must have pleased the ear of God.
Mike
Mike, a biography of Johnny’s life will be released in the near future and will be featured on the Johnny Cook website.
I believe Johnny Cook is now teaching the angels how to sing. He is the only one I know who has the qualifications to do so.
Hugh
You are so right about that – he sounds just like an angel, doesn’t he?
I’m looking for accompaniment tapes or sheet music for two songs that Johnny sang: “While I’m Here” and “A Good Year for Jesus.” Is there such a thing? If so, where can I buy them?
Like others, I am grateful to have seen & heard Johnny Cook. I was in my teens (I think) when my parents took me to a Happy Goodman concert. And of course, Johnny was part of them then. Listening to him sing, always brings tears of joy for my Lord. We were truly blessed to have him here on earth, now Heaven has him. One day we shall meet in on the Streets of Gold.
Wow…after all these years, people are still asking about this amazing singer. I’m a born and raised Alabama boy from good ‘ol Florence. And every now and then, I pull up “Looking for a City” on YouTube just to get my day started off on the right foot. Thanks Johnny boy.
I agree with the sentiments concerning the late great Tenor of Tenor’s the impeccable Johnny Cook! I have
heard many tenors from various groups for many years
and I still don’t get the ‘chill’ up my spine from anyone
else than I do when I listen to the pure emotion that
transcends from the vocal ability of Johnny Cook! Listen
to him sing “Silver Wings” and you can’t get enough of
that song! He is singing I believe with the Angel’s band
up in Heaven praising his Lord and Master that he loved
so much and sang about during his time on this Earth.
Johnny Cook is and will always be the best of the BEST !
Roger, another Johnny Cook song that will “send a chill up your spine” is on You Tube, entitled “From The Cross I Will Find My Way Home”. Johnny Cook’s voice blesses me as none other can.