David Cook to play Friday at Shawnee casino
David Cook (Associated Press photo)
A version of this story appears in Saturday’s The Oklahoman.
SHAWNEE – “American Idol” David Cook will return to Oklahoma to perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at Firelake Grand Casino.
Born in Houston and raised in Blue Springs, Mo., Cook was working on his music career in Tulsa when he won a spot on the reality TV singing contest. Just a week after he won “Idol” in May 2008, he had 14 songs listed on Billboard’s Hot Digital Songs Survey and 11 on the Hot 100.
His self-titled debut album, released almost a year ago, has been certified platinum.
Cook credits his parents with enriching his musical beginnings. His parents had an eclectic record collection, so he listened to many different genres. He also grew up watching his dad play guitar. When he was in high school, he formed the band Axium with a friend.
After he graduated from Central Missouri State with a degree in graphic design, Cook chose to follow his passion for music rather than get a job in his degree field. He moved to Tulsa to play with regional band Midwest Kings.
By 2007, he had launched a solo career, playing gigs in bars and clubs around Tulsa. When his brother, Andrew, decided try out for the seventh season of “American Idol,” Cook went along for moral support. Cook opted to try out himself at the last minute.
When his sibling didn’t make the cut, Cook offered to quit, too, but his brother and mother insisted that he go on. He emerged as a dark horse favorite, winning the “Idol” title.
Cook, 26, embarked earlier this year on his first headlining tour, playing colleges, ballrooms and theaters. The tour has been extended several times, with the singer/songwriter/guitarist recently adding dates through the end of the year.
He also will appear on fellow Oklahoma “Idol” winner Carrie Underwood’s first holiday TV special, airing Dec. 7 on Fox.
For information or tickets to the Shawnee show, call 964-7263 or go to www.firelakegrand.com. Ticket prices start at $44. According to the casino, tickets are still available.
-BAM
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