David L Cook

David L. Cook
David L Cook at the 1996 Grammy Awards
Background information
Also known as	David Cooke (overseas)
Born	(1968-11-11) November 11, 1968 (age 48) Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States
Origin	Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Genres	Gospel music, Inspirational
Occupation(s)	Christian music singer, songwriter, comedian
Instruments	Keyboards, Piano
Years active	1972–present
Labels	Bang Records, Mountainview Records, DLC Records

David L. Cook (born November 11, 1968) is an American Christian country music singer-songwriter, comedian and a multiple Emmy® and Telly Awards winner.

Born to Donnell and June (née Mercer) Cook, David is the oldest of six children. He has written more than 2,500 songs, including Drop that Rock, which was featured on his album In the Middle of It All and garnered a Dove Award nomination for Christian Country Album of the Year in 1999.

In all of Cook's overseas recordings his surname is Cooke to distinguish it from his work in the United States. The male members of The Cook Family Singers have always used just their middle initials as a trademark, a trait beginning back in 1885 when the first such group was formed.

In 1990 Cook was diagnosed with a dissociative disorder and psychogenic amnesia reportedly brought on by an abusive father. In 1999 Cook's story was used as a lead story with The 700 Club.

Cook was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi; after two years, his family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Cook began his musical career at age five, singing with his family's group, The Cook Family Singers. After his parents' divorce, the group continued without Donnell, but in 1980, the group disbanded because of June's health issues. He continued singing both gospel and secular music.

Early in life, Cook was abused by his father, who had a severe drinking problem. While intoxicated, Cook's father reportedly became violent towards his family. After many years of this abuse Cook developed many psychological problems that ended up following him through to his life as an adult. He developed a severe dissociative disorder and psychogenic amnesia. He recalled having periods of "missing time" but never really understood the cause. In 1990, doctors finally diagnosed the disorders after Cook experienced what they thought was a severe stroke and was rushed to the Coral Springs Medical Hospital in Fort. Lauderdale.