Doc Cook

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Charles L. Cooke (1891-1958) was an American jazz bandleader who performed and recorded under the stage name Doc Cook.

Cook, unlike many early jazz musicians who used monikers denoting advanced degrees, held a Ph.D, from the Chicago College of Music. He led the orchestra at Paddy Harmon's Dreamland Ballroom in Chicago from 1922-1927, acting as conductor and musical director. The ensemble recorded under several names, such as Cookie's Gingersnaps, Doc Cook and his 14 Doctors of Syncopation, and Doc Cook's Dreamland Orchestra. Among those who played in Cook's band were Freddie Keppard, Jimmie Noone, Johnny St. Cyr, Zutty Singleton, and Luis Russell. After 1927 Cook's orchestra played in Chicago at the Municipal Pier and the White City Ballroom. In 1930, Cook moved to New York City and worked as an arranger for Radio City Music Hall and RKO, working there into the 1940s.

[edit] References

• Doc Cook at Allmusic.com