About Me
William Cook was born in Louisville, KY and grew up in southern Indiana. The son of a country-music-star-wanna-be mother who could play guitar and sing, he learned to love music at a very early age. Although Bill began writing songs early on, at age 17 he knew he had a passion for songwriting and performing music. Late one night, while listening the Neil Young's After the Gold Rush, he made the decision to be a songwriter (whether he wanted to or not). He has been inspired by artists such as James Taylor, Neil Young, David Bowie, Dan Fogelberg, and Bruce Springsteen, as well as, bands like Led Zepplin, Pink Floyd, and The Beatles. While spending some time in the military, he began purchasing home recording equipment and jamming with other musicians. During the three years he was stationed in England, he began busking (street performing) in London, at different sights around the city. He continued writing music and recording his own songs. In 1985 he completed his first album: Cook's HomeMade Jam. Later, while living Minot, ND, he studied Recording Arts at Minot State University and played bass guitar for a while, in the Air Force SAC Showcase Band. It was in Minot, that he completed his second album: It Won't Be Long (1989). William received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Liberals Arts from the University of the State of New York, and relocated to Central California, where he began teaching elementary school. His third album: Double You See, Double Okay! (W-C-OO-K) was completed in 1998. Recently, he's enjoyed teaching, coaching, and running the network at a small rural school, as well as, writing plays, including the musical Where in the World is Santa Claus. William is also a college music instructor at the local college in the area in which he lives. He has taught classes in American Popular Music for several years. Teaching others about how great music from the past has influenced their music of today has rekindled his enthusiasm to pursue his music career and dreams. He is currently working on a fourth album, not yet titled.
