Could the wilderness offer both solace and a swift end? For Eugene native Kenny Cox, the answer sadly proved to be yes, as a life lived close to nature tragically concluded at the age of 31.
The news of Kenny Cox's passing on August 14th sent ripples of sadness through the communities he touched. His story, one of a life intertwined with the wild beauty of Kauai, serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of the environment. Cox had been embracing a lifestyle of self-sufficiency, drawing sustenance from the streams and landscape, a testament to his connection with the natural world. However, this choice ultimately led to his demise. Living off the land, drinking directly from jungle streams, he contracted a virulent infection that swiftly overcame his defenses. Acute hemorrhagic pneumonia and sepsis claimed his life. This was not the tale of a reckless adventurer, but rather, of a soul drawn to the freedom of the open spaces.
The loss was felt deeply by those who knew him. Just a day prior, on August 13th, twelve days after his 31st birthday, a dear friend mourned the loss of someone who was more than a friend: a brother. They shared philosophies, a love for music, and a deep passion for the outdoors, characteristics that are often the foundation for the closest bonds. This shared appreciation for life, the environment, and the arts painted a picture of a man who embraced every aspect of existence.
While the details of Kenny Cox's life in Kauai offer a poignant narrative, it is crucial to remember that this is just one of the many individuals who carry the name "Kenny Cox." The name echoes across various spheres, from music to politics, each chapter a story of its own. The following information is to reflect on the diversity of lives that share the same name:
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Name | Kenny Cox |
Born | November 8, 1940 (Detroit, Michigan) |
Died | December 19, 2008 (Detroit, Michigan) |
Profession | Jazz Pianist, Composer, Label Owner |
Known For | Founding the Detroit jazz label in 1968, contributions to the Detroit jazz scene. Performing with Etta Jones, and composing many jazz pieces. |
Key Albums | "Introducing Kenny Cox" (1968), "Multidirection" (1969) |
Key Music Contributions | Detroit-based jazz label, his music of the 1960s, and his impact on the local music community |
Associated Artists | Etta Jones, George Bohannon |
Further Information | AllMusic.com |
The story of Kenny Cox, the jazz musician, is a story woven through the vibrant fabric of Detroits cultural landscape. He was a pivotal figure, not just as a performer but as a creative force. The city, a crucible of artistic innovation, served as the backdrop for Coxs musical journey.
Cox's contribution expanded further than just his compositions. He played an essential role in the creation of Strata Records Inc. in 1974, a hub for artists such as Cox himself, as well as Lyman Woodard, showcasing Detroit's burgeoning music scene. The label was well known for its art gallery and live music venue, a creative space that brought artists and their communities together. His work and label were celebrated in 2012 when Scion commissioned DJ Amir Abdullah to create an exhibit centered on Detroit's lost youth culture, for an online museum.
There is also a different Kenny Cox who is active in the world of politics, a Democratic Party representative who represented District 23 in the Louisiana House of Representatives. He served from January 9, 2012, until his term concluded on January 8, 2024.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Name | Kenny Cox |
Political Affiliation | Democratic Party |
Office | Louisiana House of Representatives, District 23 |
Term of Office | January 9, 2012 January 8, 2024 |
Education | Warren Easton Fundamental High School, 2000 |
Furthermore, there is another Kenny Cox who shared his experience during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. He was inside the Pentagon when the terrorists crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the building. A different Kenny Cox, born in 1940, found a career dedicated to musical performance, a journey that spanned over six decades. He established "Kenny Cox Music," providing highlights from 43 years of professional performances. These are some of the countless lives and stories carried by the name "Kenny Cox".
The musical landscape holds further stories as well, where a bluegrass band called Sunnyside Gospel, started by Kenny and Tracy Cox, where Kenny Jr. would later join the band. The band's debut took place at the Holiday Inn in Kulpsville, PA.
The history of music is further enriched by the album "Multidirection" by Kenny Cox, released on the Blue Note label in 1969. This album, along with the debut album "Introducing Kenny Cox," showcase his significant contribution to the modern jazz era. Further adding to the musical contributions, a British heavy metal band called More emerged in the early 1980s, marking the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, with two albums and singles released under Atlantic Records.
In remembering the individuals, whether through memorial tributes, discographies, or family histories, the lives of the Kenny Coxes are a reminder of the diverse ways in which human lives unfold. Their stories, both personal and professional, offer a tapestry of experiences that contribute to the rich and varied narrative of our world.
A final note of tribute is offered to Kenneth Cox of Kendallville, age 73, whose obituary was marked on May 18, 2024. Kenny's journey, which began at Rock Fork, in Knott County, is a reminder of lives that are forever memorialized in the hearts of those who loved them.