Toledo Jazz Hero
Damen Cook is a dynamic drummer and vocalist based in Toledo, Ohio, which is where I first saw him at Lucille’s Jazz Lounge for his weekly Tuesday jam, a wonderful respite during the first years of Covid. Lucille’s was one of several projects housed in The TolHouse in downtown. Cook, whom I teased as trying to be the Grady Tate of Toledo, has kept the jam and various Holiday shows going for the four years I’ve known him. For this dedication to keeping jazz alive in Toledo, Cook is being honored as the Jazz Journalist Association’s 2026 Toledo Jazz Hero.
His deep roots in jazz and soul music began at an early age. He started playing professionally at 14 years old, performing alongside his father, Leon Cook, a respected local musician who helped shape his musical foundation. Over the years, Damen has shared the stage with an impressive roster of legendary artists, including Jon Hendricks, Jimmy McGriff, Hank Marr, Freddy Cole, Kenny Blake, and the iconic Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, among many others. His versatility, groove, and strong vocal presence have made him a sought-after performer across jazz, R&B, and soul.
In addition to performing, Damen is deeply committed to cultivating Toledo’s music scene. He brought musicians and audiences together by organizing a local jazz festival, celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage while creating new opportunities for live jazz to thrive. In 2008, he hosted Glass City Jazz on the local NBC affiliate. The show ran for 3 seasons during the summer, and clips can be found at www.youtube.com/user/glasscityjazz.
In 2022, Cook sponsored the Maumee River Jazz Festival at Walbridge Park. It had 5 bands– three from Toledo, one regional artist and one named artist along with local venders and food trucks. The following year the arts commission gave Cook a $10K grant, but sadly that was its last edition. With decades of experience, a strong musical lineage, and a passion for community, Cook continues to be a vital force in Midwest jazz. He does this despite holding down a day job at a local television station. In recognition of his boundless energy and a welcoming smile from the stage, it is my privilege to name Damen Cook the Toledo Jazz Hero for 2026.
—Don Palmer, JJA Treasurer, Board Chair
