Tributes to the late, great Barbara Cook

Barbara Cook, the Broadway star who became a cabaret sensation, died early yesterday at her home in Manhattan at the age of 89.

I’ve read so many tributes from people who were deeply impacted by her performances and by her honesty.

I had not really followed her career but last year, I listened to a very candid interview she gave to NPR’s Terry Gross and was astonished by and appreciative of her candor.

She spoke of her career ups and downs, her alcoholism, health and weight issues and about her relationship with her gay son.

Here is a LINK to The New York Times obituary on Miss Cook and below are tributes from three performers who admired her greatly: Sam Harris, Cheyenne Jackson and Zachary Quinto.

"Talk Less, Sing More." Sage advice from our dearly departed beloved Barbara Cook to me after seeing my one man show. You taught us all so much. We will miss you. Rest In Peace.

A post shared by Cheyenne Jackson (@mrcheyennejackson) on Aug 8, 2017 at 9:30am PDT

i just pulled myself out of an hour and a half barbara cook youtube black hole. i can't stop feeling a deep sense of longing for her kind of honesty. an uncanny commitment to truth. in her life as in her music she was incapable of hitting a false note. when she was 77 years old she said "…i’ll sing better five years from now – because i expect i’ll have more courage to be even more open. because i believe that’s the kind of the road i’m on. i consider myself a work in progress.” may we all aspire to such courage – to such openness. tonight the angels are blessed with songs. rest in peace.

A post shared by Zachary Quinto (@zacharyquinto) on Aug 9, 2017 at 1:28am PDT