Martin Cook, Founder of Southern Gospel's The Inspirations, Passes Away
Martin Cook, founder of Southern Gospel's The Inspirations, has passed away. Martin was diagnosed with an untreatable, cancerous brain tumor recently by his doctors and had received Hospice care the past several days. His wife, Ora Blanche, said that Martin was not in pain since he was put in Hospice care. Martin went into the presence of Jesus on February 23, at 4:50 p.m. from the home. He was 85 years old.
Martin established himself at the top of his field in success and stature. A recipient of many awards and accolades, including Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame enshrinement (Class of 2003), Southern Gospel Piano Roll of Honor induction (2005) and the Marvin Norcross Award (2002), given by Singing News magazine, further validate Martin in his chosen profession.
In 1957, Martin began his practical Gospel music experience as the first pianist for the Kingsmen Quartet. He served two tenures with this renowned group and also played piano for the Silvertones Quartet. Additionally, Martin sang lead and played piano for the Smoky Mountain Quartet before forming the Inspirations.
It was then that Martin, a science teacher at Swain County High School in Bryson City, NC, and four of his students held nightly singing sessions in his home, purely for their love of Gospel music. They soon went on the road as the Inspirations, and became a famous name in any musical genre and models of consistency in the Southern Gospel Music world, maintaining tremendous popularity while logging nearly five million miles traveling the singing circuit while Martin was their manager.
The Inspirations have placed many songs on the Singing News Radio Airplay Charts, including several number one and Songs of The Year. Additionally, the Inspirations have received more than two dozen Singing News Fan Awards as a group and individual singers and musicians, including Favorite Gospel Group six times, Favorite Male Quartet in 2005 and Martin twice as Favorite Musician.
Tags : Martin Cook Martin Cook death Martin Cook funeral THE INSPIRATIONS the inspirations quartet
Hot Trends
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
The Kingdom Heirs Build on a Classic Sound with “I Want To Live Like Jesus”
-
Citizen Way Returns with the Celebratory "That Thank You Song!"
-
Quianna Crute Delivers "I Am Your Music"
-
Sandee Jo Crocker Offers a Heart-Rendering Interview About How to Find Help in an Abusive Relationship
-
Christian Group I Am They Shares About Hope After a Suicide Attempt and Their Brand New Album
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
7 Things to Know About Brothers of the Heart's "Listen to the Music"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Phil Wickham's "This is Our God"
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Brandon Lake's “Count ‘Em”
-
Trace Adkins Explains Why He Signed Up for 'I Can Only Imagine'
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Passion's "I've Witnessed It"
-
Leanna Crawford Releases "Still Waters (Psalm 23);" New Album Out July 19
-
Joy Williams Reveals the Real Reason Behind Civil War's Breakup
Most Popular
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
The Kingdom Heirs Build on a Classic Sound with “I Want To Live Like Jesus”
-
Citizen Way Returns with the Celebratory "That Thank You Song!"
-
Quianna Crute Delivers "I Am Your Music"
-
Sandee Jo Crocker Offers a Heart-Rendering Interview About How to Find Help in an Abusive Relationship
-
Christian Group I Am They Shares About Hope After a Suicide Attempt and Their Brand New Album
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
7 Things to Know About Brothers of the Heart's "Listen to the Music"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Phil Wickham's "This is Our God"
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Brandon Lake's “Count ‘Em”
-
Trace Adkins Explains Why He Signed Up for 'I Can Only Imagine'
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Passion's "I've Witnessed It"
-
Leanna Crawford Releases "Still Waters (Psalm 23);" New Album Out July 19
-
Joy Williams Reveals the Real Reason Behind Civil War's Breakup