Gospel Singer, Entertainer. She was one of the leading ladies of the gospel field that paved the way for many who would follow. Often not given her due, she ranks among the likes of Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith, Roberta Martin and Clara Ward for the style and raw talent she brought to the stage. Born in South Carolina, the daughter of a baptist minister Rev. Eddie J. Gallmon, she grew up learning and loving gospel music. Her initial release was "Angels, Angels" in which she was presented with the Young People's Choir Of Springfield Baptist Church Washington, D.C. Receiving formal education at Temple University and studying in Washington D.C., she became formally educated and musically trained in sharp contrast to most of her gospel peers. She considered a career in semi-classics and show tunes but heard Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith and all that changed. She found in Mother Smith in the 1930s a finesse that she desired. Later during this transitional period she got the Holy Ghost and "Madame" would never be the same again. She taught elementary school for a brief period and then began to tour the Southeastern United States performing in her mezzo-soprano tone. Cooke did hymns, gospel songs, sermonettes and spirituals. She began recording under the Nasboro Records label with backup from choirs and male groups. Known as the "Sweetheart Of The Potomac", she later married Barney Parks Jr. of The Dixie Hummingbirds. "Stop Gambler and "Heavy Load" were among many of her popular recordings. At the age of 49 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the golden voice was silenced. She performed from 1949 until her death in 1967.
Gospel Singer, Entertainer. She was one of the leading ladies of the gospel field that paved the way for many who would follow. Often not given her due, she ranks among the likes of Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith, Roberta Martin and Clara Ward for the style and raw talent she brought to the stage. Born in South Carolina, the daughter of a baptist minister Rev. Eddie J. Gallmon, she grew up learning and loving gospel music. Her initial release was "Angels, Angels" in which she was presented with the Young People's Choir Of Springfield Baptist Church Washington, D.C. Receiving formal education at Temple University and studying in Washington D.C., she became formally educated and musically trained in sharp contrast to most of her gospel peers. She considered a career in semi-classics and show tunes but heard Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith and all that changed. She found in Mother Smith in the 1930s a finesse that she desired. Later during this transitional period she got the Holy Ghost and "Madame" would never be the same again. She taught elementary school for a brief period and then began to tour the Southeastern United States performing in her mezzo-soprano tone. Cooke did hymns, gospel songs, sermonettes and spirituals. She began recording under the Nasboro Records label with backup from choirs and male groups. Known as the "Sweetheart Of The Potomac", she later married Barney Parks Jr. of The Dixie Hummingbirds. "Stop Gambler and "Heavy Load" were among many of her popular recordings. At the age of 49 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the golden voice was silenced. She performed from 1949 until her death in 1967.
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