01/16/2025
Beloved lounge singer Cook E. Jarr has passed away. 🎶♥️ 🌟
“When Cook E Jar hit the stage the whole room shook! "
He had a devoted following here in the Wildwoods, including Judy Longo, who helped me put together a story about him for The Sun about 12 years ago. Cook E. was thrilled when Judy brought him a copy of the paper all the way out to Las Vegas.
As his name suggests, Cook E. Jarr lived a one-of-a-kind, story-filled life, with music always at its core.
His Wildwood chapter began in the summer of 1967 when he walked into The Elmira, a “swinging” local club. Inside, he met Big Bear, the club’s manager, who asked what he was up to. Jarr mentioned that he and his band were looking for work—though, as fate would have it, he didn’t technically have a band at the time. Undeterred, he returned to Philadelphia, where he fortuitously found a band in need of a singer. With no time to waste, they quickly rehearsed 10 songs and took the stage that Friday night, opening with Devil with a Blue Dress On. That moment launched Cook E. Jarr into a career destined for the spotlight.
Wildwood proved to be a pivotal stage, leading him to Atlantic City and later to Las Vegas, where he performed as Cook E. Jarr & His Krums. Over the years, he earned the distinction of being named Best Lounge Act in both Atlantic City and Las Vegas—a testament to his unforgettable charisma and talent.
Today, his loyal fans and friends dream of honoring him with a star on the Las Vegas Walk of Fame. Though we’re deeply saddened by his passing, his spirit remains alive in the memories of those who knew him and the music he shared.
And here in starry Wildwood by-the-Sea, his legacy shines brightly, forever a cherished part of our history. 💫
