Calvin Cooke RIP

[Jim Cohen]

I just read the news on social media that sacred steel legend, Calvin Cooke, has passed on from this world.

About 30 years ago, I helped produce a sacred steel concert in Philadelphia, headlined by Calvin with an opening set by the Campbell Brothers who obviously admired him so much and considered him their mentor and the godfather of sacred steel. At one point after his set, Chuck Campbell took me aside and pointed out a young man in the audience and said, “Take a good look at this young guy. There’s a record company investing a whole lot of money in him right now. You’re gonna be hearing a lot from him. Remember his name: Robert Randolph.” So if you know that the Campbell Brothers and Robert Randolph all turned out to hear Calvin, you know that Calvin was the real deal..
Rest in peace, Calvin Cooke.

[Jerry Overstreet]

Thanks for posting this Jim.
Sorry to hear it. I've seen several videos of Calvin online.

Del Ray posted many threads about him here. IIRC, Calvin played a fixed tune single neck, maybe a Fender, and always played and sounded great. A big loss to the sacred steel community and the steel guitar world as well. RIP Mr. Cooke.

[John Larson]

Robert Randolph post a very nice clip on instagram of him serenading Calvin at his home shortly before he passed, may he rest in peace.

[Del Ray Grace]

Thank you, Jim Cohen and others. Calvin will be greatly missed by many.

[Dave Mudgett]

A great loss. And yes, he was the real deal, for sure. RIP Calvin Cooke.

[Ted Smith]

Absolutely loved our talks on the phone back in the 90's, great brother in the Lord and great player. We are losing too many like Calvin that made the world a better place.

[Chris Templeton]

When I was Robert Randolph's guitar tech in 2002, for his first tour, he brought Calvin on the tour. He played a Melbar. A great player and a wonderful person!
Here he is playing a Fender:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ratidbx ... rt_radio=1

[Brad Bechtel]

I was lucky enough to see Calvin Cooke at Twangfest in St. Louis back in the early 2000s. He brought the house down with his music. I don't think anyone except the promoters and me knew who he was. I was working the merchandise booth and they sold every single thing they brought with them.

It was certainly interesting seeing a young alt-country crowd accept and enjoy his music so well. My condolences to his family and many friends.

[Chris Templeton]

Calvin with Robert Randolph & Jay Chris with Calvin 2002
RIP