In 1986, Dwayne was injured in a hunting accident leaving him permanently in a wheelchair. As a young man you can imagine this could be a devastating, and life altering experience. It is easy to understand how a person facing such adversity could lose all hope and give up on their dreams. This does not describe Dwayne Cook, as he spent the next several years proving to himself, and the world he was not going to let this get the best of him. He returned to college, earned a degree in accounting, and built a very successful accounting business.
Dwayne always had a passion for music having grown up on Merle Haggard, George Jones and all the great country stars of that era. As a young boy Dwayne would join his father, a guitar player, and perform for any and all who would gather. Along the way he learned to play guitar, as well, performing every Clint Black, Joe Diffie, Alan Jackson or his personal favorite, Tracy Byrd song.
In his freshman year of college Dwayne’s life would forever change. He met a friend named Rich Mencer. After getting to know Rich he realized Rich was a Christian. Dwayne had known other Christians in his life, but Rich was different. He had a genuine peace in his life. Finding out the source of this peace Dwayne gave his heart to Jesus. This is what was missing. “I’ve never looked back” he says with a smile. “People need hope and peace, and to experience the unconditional love that only a relationship with Jesus Christ can give.”
Dwayne’s inspiration for his music immediately turned towards showing people the love and peace he had found in the Lord. Recording three Christian albums Dwayne realized he changed the message of his songs, but the country and rhythm and blues feel to his music he couldn’t change.
Today, the songs Dwayne performs are written by him and are straight ahead Country. However, you will find nothing but a positive message of love and hope in each song. Every song comes from his personal life experiences and is delivered with power and emotion. Dwayne’s influences are country, rock and rhythm and blues, which is reflected in the music he writes and performs. His number one mission is to entertain and point people to the one who gave him his peace. There is a genuineness and warmth in every song he performs.
Dwayne recorded his first CD entitled “Walk A Mile In My Shoes.” In 2008. Then, in 2010 he met Guitarist, Roger Garland and the magic began. This duo has collaborated from then to the present day having written, produced and recorded three more albums over the years including Dwayne’s newest country album release, “If The Phone Ain’t Ringing, It Ain’t Me”. The album features two duets with Rebecca Galloway. She did much of the harmony on the last two albums. Her warm sweet voice shines through on the duets. Look for more of that on future recordings!
Upon hearing the Album, executives at Nashville
Country and Blues Indi Label, Wind River Records, offered Dwayne a marketing and distribution contract. Since the contract was signed three singles, from the album, have been released to radio, and have enjoyed a warm reception by fans across the country. He currently has a weekly podcast called Wammcast and hosts a music channel available on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. When asked how he feels about all that has started to happen, with his music career, he simply states, if you asked me that back in 1986, after my accident I could not have imaged I would be so blessed in my Life!