The death Tuesday of Atlanta concert promoter Alex Cooley, 74, a music industry icon, spawned tributes and tears, but mostly memories of his immense influence.
Recording artist-producer Butch Walker tweeted that Cooley was “an ATL legend” and said he attended his first concert — Kiss — because he saw a TV spot with Cooley promoting the show.
Many others, including the band Kansas and singer Bonnie Bramlett, also posted condolences on social media — all reminders of Cooley’s widespread musical impact.
Live Nation Atlanta President Peter Conlon, Cooley’s longtime friend and business partner, recalled stories about the man he said taught him everything he knows, such as those midnight concerts Cooley used to produce at the then-threatened Fox Theatre — “Alex’s rock shows saved the Fox,” Conlon said — and the benefit concerts that aided President Jimmy Carter’s primary election run in 1976.
Cooley also was instrumental in the launch of Billy Joel's career. He booked the fledgling piano man at the 1972 Mar y Sol Pop Festival in Puerto Rico. After the set, a man walked up to Joel, handed him a business card, and said, "Call me." It was Columbia Records President Clive Davis.
Cooley’s credibility with music acts such as James Taylor helped the resurgence of Chastain Park Amphitheatre, which had been shut down after an early ’70s concert by Canadian country-rockers Great Speckled Bird angered those in the neighborhood.
“What Alex did always looked easy, and it’s just so hard,” Conlon said. “If everybody could do this, they would.”
Here is what some in the Atlanta music industry had to say in remembrance of Cooley:
“Alex Cooley forever changed the landscape of the Atlanta music scene. He is a legend. We will miss his kindness, spirit, and commitment to live music. For me, he will always be one of the greatest music men in Georgia music history.”
— Emily Saliers, the Indigo Girls
“Alex Cooley was a rare bird, a maverick, and even as the old boys of the industry were growing stale, Alex kept his edge and his energy for music. He was a true fan, as well as a promoter, and that is what it takes to bring the music to the people.”
— Amy Ray, the Indigo Girls
“Alex was always so kind to me. I heard his name in radio advertisements for years promoting my favorite artists before I ever met him. If there are sides in the music business, Alex was always on the side of the artist. He has always represented, to me, the voice of the artist, even in the middle of the business.”
— Kristian Bush, Sugarland
“Alex Cooley turned the lights on in this city. He curated the scene by bringing in touring acts of all genres. Literally, the biggest ‘name’ musical acts (Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix) to the most counterculture underground bands (Sex Pistols), which sparked a musical fire throughout the Southeast. As a result of the talent he brought to town and the thriving musical nightlife it spawned, Atlanta became a lush breeding ground for international and local bands alike. Alex Cooley’s unending love and support for music woke up this sleepy little Southern town. Thank you, Alex.”
— Michele Caplinger, senior executive director of the Recording Academy Atlanta Chapter
“I’ve known Alex since 1975, when I started working at 96 Rock/WKLS. Working with Alex and his staff over the years was one of the highlights of my career, when the music business and rock ’n’ roll were on fire! Think about all of the great shows he brought to Atlanta, whether it was at the Electric Ballroom, the Fox, the Omni, Champagne Jams and many, many others. He made this city ROCK! The Stones at the Fox in 1978, and tickets were only $10! He helped save the Fox. He loved what he did, he loved the music, and he loved people, and animals, especially dogs. I am honored to call Alex Cooley my friend. He was a gentle giant with a huge heart. He will always have a special place in my heart.”
— Deborah Garner, former director of program services at 96 Rock
“When I started in the business in 1987, fresh out of college, Alex was already an icon, but he always treated me like I mattered. Having the opportunity to interact with Alex has made a huge difference in my career and life. It was a huge privilege and honor to have the opportunity to hear his experiences and stories.
“When we recently had Dead and Company, it brought back great memories of Alex. As you will recall, we used to host the Grateful Dead at the Omni each spring. I remember Alex spending the entire ingress at the main gate watching the fans come in the building. He truly cared about all aspects of the fan experience. With the Grateful Dead shows, counterfeit tickets were a major concern, and I can remember comparing the good ones with the bad ones with Alex. He will be missed.”
— Trey Feazell, senior vice president and general manager for Philips Arena
