Edna Gallmon Cooke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edna Gallmon Cooke
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Edna Gallmon |
| Also known as | Sweetheart of the Potomac |
| Born | November 30, 1917 Columbia, South Carolina, US |
| Died | September 4, 1967 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Genres | Gospel |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1949–1967 |
| Labels | Federal Records Nashboro Records / Universal Music |
| Associated acts | Men Who Sang With Her: Tommy Ellison Willie Banks Horace Thompson Jay Lowe Bobby McDougal Elester Sawyer |
Madame Edna Gallmon Cooke (born November 30, 1917 – died September 4, 1967) was an American gospel singer. She recorded music from 1949 until she passed away in 1967. We don't know a lot about her early life. Most of what we know comes from the notes on her music albums. Edna Gallmon Cooke is famous for her songs "Stop Gambler" and "Heavy Load."
Contents
Who Was Edna Gallmon Cooke?
Early Life and Education
Edna Gallmon was born in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1917. Her father, Reverend Eddie J. Gallmon, was a Baptist preacher. He was also a pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Edna had more schooling and music training than many other gospel singers of her time.
As a young adult, she lived and studied in Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. She went to Temple University and even taught elementary school for a short time.
A Change in Music
Edna thought about singing classical music or show tunes. But then, something big changed her mind. In the late 1930s, she heard the gospel singer Willie Mae Ford Smith. Edna said, "I was shocked. The woman sang with such finesse... I knew I had to be a gospel singer."
Soon after, Edna joined the Holiness Church. She became very dedicated to her faith. The church even gave her the special title 'Madame' to show her strong devotion.
Her Singing Career
Becoming the "Sweetheart of the Potomac"
During the 1940s, Edna Gallmon Cooke toured the Southeast United States. She was known as the "Sweetheart of the Potomac." She sang hymns and gospel songs, much like Willie Mae Ford Smith. However, her voice was different from Smith's. So, she found her own way to sing.
Edna went back to the musical style her father used. She made sermonettes (short sermons sung as songs) and spirituals popular. She became known for her amazing voice, especially how she could bend notes and add fancy musical touches.
Recording Her Music
Ms. Cooke started recording music in the late 1940s. She worked with the Nashboro Recording Label in Nashville, Tennessee. At first, she was often joined by her father's choir. This was The Young People's Choir of the Springfield Baptist Church from Washington, D.C. Later, she recorded with male singing groups.
Marriage and New Style
Edna Gallmon Cooke's singing style changed a lot after she married Barney Parks, Jr. Barney was a former member of The Dixie Hummingbirds. He also helped start The Sensational Nightingales. They met in 1951 during a music tour. This tour featured Marie Knight, Cooke, and The Nightingales.
Under Barney's guidance, Madame Edna Gallmon Cooke became a very famous name in gospel music. It is believed that the name Cooke came from her first marriage. Her first husband had passed away.
Some people say her rhyming, spoken chants were like an early form of rap music. These unique chants led to some of her most famous recordings.
Later Years
Edna Gallmon Cooke passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 4, 1967. She was 49 years old.
