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David Cook Obituary
David B. Cook, Jr., (1933-2013) died peacefully in Prescott, Arizona on Friday, August 30th. Dave, as he was known, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on November 5th, to Eunice and David B. Cook, Sr. After his service in the Army, he relocated to Phoenix in 1959. Throughout the next 50 years, Dave became one of the most influential and highly respected jazz musicians in Phoenix and Prescott. His mentoring of young musicians, performances with his bands Atlantis, New Vanguard and Intensity, as well as being one of the pioneering influences of jazz in Tempe, led to his numerous awards and recognition. He is survived by his daughters, Davanna Kirksey (Allen) and Dayna Monroe, two grandchildren, John Thomas Simon and Victoria Grace Monroe, his beloved life-partner, Geri Thomas, his children's mother, Evangeline (Cook) Braxton, and a host of relatives, friends, students and fellow jazz enthusiasts. A private interment will take place at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Please visit www.heritagemortuary.com to sign Dave's online guest book. Services entrusted to Heritage Memory Mortuary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Cook
Blair Schweiger
September 2, 2020
My thoughts are still with all who loved him. I loved hearing Dayna tell me stories about her dad.
Rocco Sapareto
September 23, 2013
One SMOOOOOOTH drummer. I always enjoyed hearing him play !
Bryan Webber
September 13, 2013
Dave was a good friend and a great musician. He will be greatly missed.
Bryon Ruth
September 13, 2013
I have a lot of love for a beautiful soul that I knew as Dave Cook. I'm so glad you were here.
Rest easy Dave.
September 13, 2013
Thanks for your undying dedication to jazz in Phoenix, your sense of humor and your love even through the most difficult times. My family will miss you immensely.
Jackie Muhammad
September 12, 2013
Dave always encouraged me to be me; to make my statement musically. Dave would always make me feel important. sometime he would bring me up on the stage and say: "I'm going to bring these two brothers up that has a bold new spirit." Dave was and is still cool with me. God Bless you Dave.
Ron & Theresa Brown
September 12, 2013
David! Thanks for all the laughs we had
together & the fun times.
Will see you in the horse bettors heaven.
Rollon Thompson
September 11, 2013
Thanks for the memories, Dave. You were truly one-of-a-kind, and will be missed by all.
ELOY WILSON
September 11, 2013
I remember Dave back in the early '70's when he worked at the Postal Service. I remember him leaving to pursue his music career. I often went to the VFW and other places to see him play. What a professional and what a laid back soft soul. Many of us that knew him will miss his presence in the world. I am sure he is still making music with much better instruments where he is now. Enjoy your journey Dave.
Mary Golden
September 11, 2013
Thank you Dave, for the music and the memories. It was my privilege to know you.
Patricia Myers
September 11, 2013
Dave Cook will be remembered by many in future years for his major contributions to the Arizona jazz scene. Dave conceived and was leader of the New Vanguard jazz combo and the Atlantis Big Band, as well as other aggregations. For 10 years, he led the legendary Monday night jam session at the Melody Lounge in Tempe, where touring musicians often stopped by to sit in, including Wynton Marsalis, as well as hometown-cum-international stars Lewis Nash and Joey DeFrancesco; he also led jam sessions at “The Vee” in south Phoenix. Dave was a recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from Jazz in Arizona and the Phoenix Musicians Union Local 586. A celebration of life is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov.10, organized by his daughters and musicians, at the Musicians Union Hall at Oak and 12th street on Phoenix.
Barbara Chavarria
September 11, 2013
Thank you David a great believer and mentor to my brother Ralphie, Jr. Burst forth your glorious wings, and entertain to the beautiful masses alongside my brother. I can only imagine.
Joey DeFrancesco
September 9, 2013
I can go on and on about this GREAT MAN! He was one of the most soulful, intelligent, thoughtful, people I've ever meant in the entire world. I'll miss Dave a lot, and will always smile when I think of the great times and music we shared all over the country. One of the great teachers of our music. Simply the one of the grooviness' drummers ever! I Love You Dave.
Andrew Jones
September 9, 2013
A generous and beautiful person. Like so many Arizona-raised musicians, Dave Cook welcomed me, young and green, to the true school of jazz- sitting on the bandstand with great players soaking up their years of experience, wonderful stories and amazing musicianship. Words cannot express what a vital role he played in the community and the spirit with which he conducted himself throughout his long and storied career. This man will always be a true inspiration to those that were lucky enough to know him.
Dan Pinson
September 9, 2013
Dave was the pillar of Jazz in Phoenix since his arrival over 50 years ago. He was my mentor and friend. It was a thrill for me to learn from him at his Monday night jam sessions in the 80's and then later be able to hire him for my own Monday jam in the late 90's. Great guy, great drummer and vibist, great friend, and a great mentor to many musicians. Godspeed brother.
Paul Anderson known Dave since 1992
Paul Anderson
September 9, 2013
I will miss your wisdom gained from living as a brother dedicated to jazz, and your friendship and humor when you would introduce as being from 2 places at once, and your backbone and perseverance in the face of life's challenges.I am honored to have known you, and you remain with me always.Rest in peace.
Mary Bishop
September 8, 2013
Phoenix has lost a great musician, and I have lost a beautiful friend.
Blair Schweiger
September 8, 2013
My heart and prayers are with his children as they navigate the loss of a parent.
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