Role

:

Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

October 25, 1927 in Atlanta, GA

Death

:

August 8, 2017 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Barbara Cook was an American singer and actress known for her contributions to the world of musical theater and classical music. Born on October 25, 1927, in Atlanta, Georgia, Cook grew up in a musical family and began singing at a young age. Her mother was a pianist and her father was a traveling salesman who played the guitar and sang. Cook's parents divorced when she was young, and she moved with her mother to New York City. Cook's talent was recognized early on, and she began performing in local talent shows and on radio programs. She made her Broadway debut in 1951 in the musical "Flahooley," but it was her performance in the 1956 production of "The Music Man" that brought her widespread acclaim. Cook played the role of Marian Paroo, the librarian who falls in love with the con man Harold Hill. Her performance earned her a Tony Award nomination and established her as one of the leading actresses in musical theater. Cook went on to star in several other Broadway productions, including "She Loves Me," "The King and I," and "Candide." She also appeared in numerous television shows and films, including "The Perry Como Show," "The Bell Telephone Hour," and "The Match Game." In addition to her work in musical theater, Cook was also a renowned concert and recording artist. She performed in concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall in London. Her recordings include "Barbara Cook at Carnegie Hall," "The Disney Album," and "All I Ask of You." Cook's talent and contributions to the world of music were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout her career. She received a Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2011, and was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 2007. She was also awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 2011, and was named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master in 2011. Despite her success, Cook faced personal struggles throughout her life. She struggled with alcoholism and addiction, and was open about her struggles in interviews and in her memoir, "Then and Now." She also faced health issues later in life, including a battle with ovarian cancer. Barbara Cook passed away on August 8, 2017, at the age of 89. Her legacy lives on through her recordings, performances, and the countless artists she inspired and influenced throughout her career.

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