Death has visited the gospel industry once again. Michael Cook, one of the most distinct voices in the legendary Mighty Clouds of Joy died Friday, July 18 from a massive heart attack.
A family friend said he fell all of a sudden during a conversation while he was visiting in-laws in Maryland. His son came to his rescue but he never regained consciousness.
Cook was a member of the group for over two decades. According the press release from EMI Gospel, he is survived by his wife Valerie and 3 children, ages 8, 11 and 16. He was 46.
The Mighty Clouds of Joy are three time Grammy award winners & Gospel Music Hall of Fame members. Formed in 1960 in Los Angeles the Mighty Clouds retain two original members, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace.
Group lead Joe Ligon commented: "Michael Cook was a dedicated member of The Mighty Clouds of Joy for 24 years before his untimely passing on July 18. When Mike joined the group, he fit our vocal style like a glove. Over the years, however, he took that style to a new level. He was my vocal backbone in the group. He was a people person. He loved everyone. He will be deeply missed by all of us."
Funeral arrangements:
Thursday, July 24th - 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Michael Cook Tribute
Living Waters Worship Center
8262 Lokus Road
Odenton, MD 21113
(410) 672-4260
Friday, July 25th - 9:00 AM 11:00 AM viewing, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM service
Reid Temple AME Church
11400 Glenn Dale Boulevard
Glenn Dale, MD 20769
(301) 352-1758
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Michael Cook Trust Fund at any Bank of America Branch. This will go to the welfare of his children. Please send all cards to Valerie Cook, PO Box 273, Jessup, MD 20794. For more inf http://www.mightycloudsofjoy.com/