Hey Johnny, You Wanna Sit In?
Music lovers throughout the Carolinas are reeling from the loss of saxophone player Johnny Cox, who died in Charleston, S.C. last Saturday night, March 20. Musically and personally Johnny threw a bright light from the upstate of South Carolina to the Grand Strand. Well-known for his time with the Swingin’ Medallions, he’s also played with the Out of Towners, Greg Moseley & the Carolina Players, Griff and just about every band that passes through.
It was a year ago this week that I sat down with Johnny and blues guitarist Michael Stallings, at Deckerz Saloon in North Myrtle Beach. What struck me then … and what I remember now … is his smiling face as he spoke about his career and his early days in music.
“My daddy really kept me in line,” Johnny said. “At 13 I was wanting to teach these other guys how to play their instruments. Imagine, I was trying to tell the guitar player how to play ‘Rebel Rouser!’
“I learned some respect with the Swingin’ Medallions, too. One of the best lessons we ever learned, in fact . . . We were playing Augusta, Ga. with Bobby Moore and the Rhythm Aces. I must have been 22 or 23. This old station wagon with an old U-Haul trailer pulls up and this bunch of old 60-ish guys get out and introduced themselves. It was Bobby Moore and his group.
“We took one look at them and said to each other, ‘We’re going to smoke ‘em.’
“Well, we didn’t smoke ‘em. (One guy was playin’ a Birdland guitar.) They smoked us! We learned respect.”
The more I talk to people about Johnny, the more I realize that these early lessons stayed with him for the rest of his life.
Saxophone player and vocalist Tony Kennedy, formerly with the Rickey Godfrey Band and now playing with the Out of Towners and Freshwater - knew Johnny through his family. “Johnny was my wife’s second cousin.. He was just a great human being. It’s a sad note to see him go.
Susan and Donny Trexler have also been close friends, “It’s hard to accept that we won’t see Johnny come in the door of the club where we’re playing and start unpacking his sax. What a joy when he joined us to blow that horn! We will both miss his smiling face and sweet sax.” says Susan, and Donny adds, “We’ve known Johnny since he was with the Medallions and he’s always been such a true, honest, and great friend. Never pretentious, just down home good people.”
Singer songwriter Calabash Flash echoed that, “Johnny was such a humble guy. Babs and I met him ten or 12 years ago, and he never even mentioned that he had been in the Swingin’ Medallions. He was just a regular guy … never bragging… just happy to play.”
I’ve been talking and reminiscing with a lot of folks about Johnny, and every last one of them talks about Johnny’s positive attitude.
Rickey Godfrey was in his teens when he first met Johnny. “I remember Johnny Cox as always having a positive attitude, and a compulsive love for the music. Years ago, Johnny used to play with Alan Pearson, a great drummer, who was later in my band, Garfeel Ruff, during the 1970s. Wherever Johnny went he always carried his saxophone with him, he loved sitting in and jamming with everybody. It was always a great time.”
Guitarist Randy Humble goes way back with Johnny. In fact, he and Johnny were both members of the Rhythm Brothers AND Griff’s Clyde Miller Blues Band (named for Griff’s two black labs, Clyde and Miller). “I love Johnny,” says Randy. “He’s down to earth, a good person and a super friend, a super person.
Pam Russell from Shaggie Maggie adds to the accolades, “The thing about Johnny is, he was always out there in the scene, lovin’ life, playin’ music. The first time I met him, we were playing in some little spot in High Point. Johnny showed up with his sax, ‘Hey, can I sit in?’ That was Johnny.”
When I talked to Michael Stallings he reminded me of the stories he and Johnny first told me at Deckerz. “I still remember the exact first night I met Johnny,” he said. “I was playing at the Bushes in Greensboro, maybe ‘92 or ‘93, and of course Johnny wanted to sit in. Well I heard him play and didn’t want him to leave! In fact I invited him to join up with us that same night. Eventually, we started working together some.” Next he told me a story about a three-day marathon recording session in Griff’s “little deathtrap studio” that had me laughing out loud.
Hack Bartley has known Johnny Cox since the late 60s. “We joined the Medallions at almost the same time,” he says, “In fact, it’s just 42 years ago to the week that we met, I think. Johnny was a great musician, a great friend and a great team player. From the beginning, he was my musical mentor. I took all my sax playing cues from Johnny. I mean, I was 13 when I got my first horn. When Johnny was 13, he was already touring. Another thing about Johnny,” Hack continued, “is that he always made sure everyone got their turn in the spotlight. He’d step in to play, but he always knew when to step back, too. Very generous.
” If you ask me to say something about Johnny Cox, it’s that he was always positive … it was always, ‘let’s get out on stage and have some fun!’” Hack laughed at this point in the conversation, but it wasn’t a happy laugh. “This is a sad time,” he commented, “It’s a sad time for music lovers.”
Founder of the Medallions John McElrath feels much the same. “Johnny was one of my favorite people in the whole world, and as a musician, he was a perfectionist … always practicing … always playing.”
Johnny Cox affected everyone he met. From Internet deejay Bill Swanke, better known as Willie C, comes, “Johnny was a friend to all, and everyone loved him.He loved the music and loved playing his sax with anyone and everyone for the love and fun of playing the music. He will be truly missed by all. The great band in Heaven now has another player.”
Sea-Cruz keyboard player Dino Fair added, “Beach music has lost one of its true icons. Not only was he a great musician, he was a good friend and one of the last good guys.” Fellow saxophonist Butch Barnes calls him “one of the most giving musicians in the business.”
Two of his best buddies are blues musician Griff and 94.9 The Surf deejay Billy Smith. Both wanted to talk about him, but clearly were having a tough time. “Johnny and I could sort of read each other’s mind,” Griff said. “You know, he could improvise as well as anyone I’ve ever known. He was a great musician and a great friend. … We were just on the same page.”
“I just loved to be around him,” Billy Smith told me, “And I can’t believe I’m not going to see him again. Johnny I would get together for a cocktail (we called it a cup of coffee) and sit and reminisce every day. We’d talk about movies, about music, about everything … He was so talented … so good … God bless him, at the Christmas Eve show, right around the time he was diagnosed [with cancer] and I pushed him to play ‘Silent Night’ and it was hard for him. That was a sad moment, sad for me to remember.” He adds, simply, “I loved him.”
It might be Susan Trexler, who summed up Johnny Cox the best. “He was happy. Johnny was a happy guy who lived every day as if it were his last.”
I hadn’t intended to call Linda Cox, Johnny’s wife of 15 years. I didn’t want to intrude, but when she heard I was writing this piece, she wanted to say a few words.”Please thank people for me … for all their worrying. Everyone misses Johnny, I know. It’s hard, but I’ll be all right. I’ve got my little business to run and I’ve got lots of friends to help take care of me. Linda went on to tell me, “I met Johnny 20 years ago at Big E’s in High Point. We’ve been there for each other… supporting each other. He was my best friend … and the love of my life. I know how sad everyone is.”
Arrangements for a memorial service were still incomplete at press time, however a tentative date has been set for 11:30 a.m., April 5 at the Pavilion in North Myrtle Beach. Following immediately, I expect there will be a celebration of Johnny’s life next door at the O.D. Beach Club in the O.D. Beach Resort.
I attended school with Johnny from the first grade until graduation. He was a “best friend” to me. It saddens me that he is gone. He was a wonderful person and I will miss him. The last time I saw him was at SOS at Myrtle Beach. May God bless you and your family in this time of trial.
Well done, Dariel. Great article!
Susan
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Linda. Johnny and I were first cousins. Our dads were brothers. I will be thinking of you and praying for you often. With much love, Mary (”Major”)
HAVING WORKED WITH JOHNNY MANY TIMES OVER THE YEARS, I WAS ALWAYS IMPRESSED WITH HIS TALENT, HIS PROFESSIONALISM, AND HIS OUTGOING NATURE. HE WAS RESPECTED BY ALL HIS PEERS, AND A FRIEND TO ALL. HIS DEATH WAS UNTIMELY, HIS FRINDS AND FAMILY WILL MOURN, AND THE BEACH MUSIC COMMUNITYHAS LOST YET ANOTHER ICON. JOHNNY HAS COMPLETED HIS JOURNEY ON EARTH, NOW IT IS HIS DUTY TO BLOW HIS HORN FOR THE LORD AND HIS HOST OF ANGELS. GOD BLESS LINDA, MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
WE ARE ALL SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE KNOWN THIS MAN, A FRIEND AND BROTHER.
DR. DC
What a wonderful article to read, having met Johnny last October, doing some chores with his bride, we were excited begin our new lives in South Carolina…music being a very important part of our marriage, as well. Linda, may you find comfort in your friends and family, surrounded by those who love you and those who are looking forward to being friends….
Johny was my father in law. Scott is his son. I love Johnny dearly and so does my husband and 5 year old son Maddox!! What a fabulous article! It made me cry and cry! We will all miss him so much! I wish I could have had more time to know him better! We all thank you for your thoughts and prayers!
What a great article and what great friends my daddy has. My daddy was a wonderful, good, down to earth person and a very, very loving father. Daddy was that bright spot in my life that I always knew was out there, soewhere, playing his music, loving his sax!..but loving his friends and family as well. Music was his life, but friends and family meant everything to him. As my Granny, Daddy’s mother, says, “He didn’t choose music. Music chose him.” I love him dearly and almost cannot bear how much I miss him. Thank you for such a beautiful tribute.
What a wonderful article written in the true spirit of love. It reveals a genuine appreciation for Johnny and his many gifts shared with those in the world around him! As Johnny’s baby sister, I’ve ALWAYS known he was special. But, it touches my heart to see that so many others loved and appreciated him, too! He was truly a gifted musician…. a “real player,” whose lifelong passion was music. But he was also a warm, caring, and protective big brother to my sister and me, as well as a loving and compassionate son to his parents. I love him dearly, and miss him more and more with each passing day. I’m finding comfort in knowing that he’s reunited with our Daddy, and is making sweet music in Heaven’s angel band. I can see him now… jammin’ with Ray Charles and other musical greats who inspired him to start playing music in the first place when he was just a young boy!
Thank you so much for this beautiful article showcasing Johnny’s talent and the love he had surrounding him and the respect he had as a musician and person. I have such fond memories of him being in his room, with the door closed, jamming with songs on his record player. Songs by James Brown, Ray Charles, and especially King Curtis, never sounded as good to me without my big brother playing along! As talented as he was as a musician, the most special things to me about him were not his musical talent, but were his grin, his sweet heart, and all my childhood memories with my big brother. His passing has left an ache in my heart but I know he is “talking baseball” now with my Daddy.
I went to high school with Johnny and we actually dated for a few months. He was such a nice guy and a lot of fun. He was an especially sweet guy too and I liked that about him. I remember one thing he did, was that he gave me an orchid for Easter! That was so touching for me. We had fun together. I also remember that Irene Cox Hembree, Johnny’s cousin, was also interested in our “relationship”. She was my typing teacher in high school and was always pulling for us to date! I am so sorry for the family’s loss and I know you will miss a caring, talented and nice guy. I will continue to think of all of you in Johnny’s family.
Thanks for sitting in Johnny! You left us too soon. We will never forget you!
God Bless all who loved Johnny.
tfs GANG
My deepest sympathy to Johnny’s family during this most difficult time. He was a very special friend when we were in high school, and even though I haven’t seen him in many years, he has always had a special place in my heart. Iam deeply saddened by the loss of this kind, loving man, who years ago was the sweet, gentle boy that I once knew.
My deepest sympathy to Johnny’s family. I am so sorry for your loss.
I attended Johnny’s Memorial Service in Woodruff, SC yesterday and came away with a sense of peace in my heart for Johnny. I will cherish the many memories I have of Johnny and the times traveling with him to shows with the “Medallion”. May you rest in peace, my friend.
As a follow up, we wanted to share with you some highlights from Johnny’s memorial service yesterday, and ask that you pass along the family’s heartfelt thanks.
We held a memorial service yesterday (Sunday) in our family’s hometown, Woodruff, in honor of Johnny. We were overwhelmed with the outpouring by his friends. As Johnny watched from heaven, we know he was thrilled to see over 200 people there (some from the Myrtle Beach area) to honor the pieces of their lives and places in their hearts that Johnny filled. We are sure he was thrilled to see “standing room only!”.
His mother, children, grandchildren, sisters, niece, nephews, and their families were touched by the presence of so many. The service was led by Johnny’s life-long friend, Chaplain Tom Casey, formerly of Woodruff, who shared childhood and school-time memories of Johnny. Johnny’s daughter, Lee Cox Wise, and son, Scott Cox, also lovingly delivered beautiful memories of tribute to Johnny as a father and grandfather. Johnny’s sister, Debbie Cox Sloan, presented a loving tribute of childhood memories on behalf of his mother, Elizabeth Cox, sister, Jill Cox Parris, and herself. A written tribute, composed by Kay Murphy Cox Miller, appeared in the program.
The chapel was beautifully adorned with several flower arrangements, lovingly appreciated by the family, although in lieu of flowers, the family has/had asked that memorial contributions in memory of Johnny Cox be made to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615. Over 50 large framed photographs of Johnny were displayed for all who attended to enjoy. A beautiful brass saxophone, shared by Steve Craig, singer of the Out-of Towners Band, stood at the alter below a touching photograph of Johnny playing his own beloved saxophone.
Beautiful music was presented by the Out-of-Towners Band, after the members reminisced about Johnny. Also a special part of the service included Johnny’s own recorded music. All of Johnny’s grandchildren sang an angelic rendition of “Jesus Loves Me”. Johnny and the angels were definitely beaming from heaven!
The family is so grateful for the presence of extended family, childhood friends and classmates from the Woodruff High School Class of 1962, and the MANY musicians who attended the service. Three large rows were reserved, as a place of honor, for the seating of musicians who had performed with Johnny. The rows would not hold all who were there! Among the many seated on these rows were the Out-of Towners Band, members of the Barons (the group Johnny and his father performed with for many years), as well as 6 former members/members of the Swingin’ Medallions with some of their family members. At one point in the service, Medallion founder and music icon, John McElrath, lovingly expressed his affection for Johnny.
We know that Johnny lives on, not only in the music he played, but more importantly in the hearts and lives of those who loved him. His too early passing leaves an ache in our hearts, but his presence lives on with us forever.
Thank you all for sharing in this beautiful celebration of Johnny’s life.
In gratitude,
Johnny’s mother, children, grandchildren, and sisters
I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to Johnny’s family, more specifically, to his mother, children, grandchildren and sisters… I wish I could have attended his service in Woodruff as I it sounded quite beautiful… Johnny has always been a kind man, and allowed me to stay in his condo when I first moved to the beach… myself and my friends, all truly enjoyed his music and his kindness for many years… I know you will miss him, but just remember, he will live in your hearts forever… I will pray for each of you in coming months.
I regret not meeting Johnny. The current Medallions have played here and I can only imagine what it was like in the 60’s & 70’s. I lived in N Myrtle Beach from 1972 to 1977 but was a “Double Shot” Fan way before then. From the memorials listed here, Johnny had alot of caring friends and a loving family, plus his “band families”. I am sure he knew how much he was loved and he is playing the sweetest songs ever heard…right now. My condolences to his family, a larger than life figure like Johnny will forever be missed.
Johnny was my stepfather and was a part of my family for 20 years. We was usually “behind the scenes” and, if you know my family, then you know it was hard for him to ever get a word in! I remember Johnny not as a musician, but as a warm and kind family member who was always there for the most important events in my life; my college graduation, my wedding, the birth of my daughter, Ashley,as well as when my precious grandmother passed away in August.
And I can only thank God that I was there when he had his last moments here on Earth. The last two weeks with him by his bed side will be the warmest memories I have of him, because he taught me the real value of life, the most simple pleasures that God gave us. He asked me to write a list of what he wanted when he got better. This list did not consist of money needed to pay the hospital bills, and it did not include a wish to be back on that stage playing the sax. What he did ask for consisted of a few simple pleasures; two of those being a taste of chocolate ice cream and sip of coke. So when we are caught up in the stresses and uncertainties that life employs, remember Johnnys wishes. He may be in heaven with his Dad and loved ones talking baseball, playing the sax, and catching up on lost time. But I have a sneaky feeling they are splittng an ice cream cone!!
I love you Johnny and will miss you!!
JOHNNY PLAYED SAX IN OUR BAND(CUT GLASS)FOR A YEAR AND WE WERE FRIENDS.HE WAS READY TO PRACTICE ON TIME,AND ALWAYS WANTED TO DO THE MATERIAL CORRECTLY.HIS ENTHUSIASM ON STAGE WAS CONTAGIOUS AND WE WERE A BETTER BAND WHEN WE HAD JOHNNY.WE WILL PLAY AGAIN IN HEAVEN.BILLY KOONTZ,DIRECTOR,DRUMMER CUT GLASS
“Good night sweet prince… and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. “
To The family of Johnny! I worked for Linda & Johnny at Gate City Staffing in the late 90’s. Johnny always had a beautiful warm smile, that is one of the things I will remember about him. I only heard him play a few times times but he was an awesome musician. I just found out about his passing today, my prayers are with you. I hope you enjoy that ice cream Johnny!