NASHVILLE, Tenn., (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Michael Cook, a member of the legendary Gospel group the Mighty Clouds of Joy for more than 20 years died Friday morning July 18th as a result of a massive coronary. He was 46.
The Mighty Clouds of Joy are three time Grammy award winners and they are members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The group was formed in 1960 in Los Angeles and currently features two of the founding members, Joe Ligon & Richard Wallace. Michael had been a member for over two decades.
Cook is survived by his wife Valerie and 3 children, ages 8, 11 and 16.
Long time member Joe Ligon commented, "Michael Cook was a dedicated member of The Mighty Clouds of Joy for 24 years before his untimely passing on July 18th. 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."
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, well-wishers make donations to the Michael Cook Trust Fund at any Bank of America Branch. The money will be used for the welfare of Cook's children. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
