Biography
Murray James Cook AM (born 30 June 1960 in Cowra, New South Wales) is an Australian singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known as a founding member of the children's group The Wiggles. He frequently appears as a guest on the Australian TV program Spicks and Specks alongside his friend and host Adam Hills.
Within The Wiggles, Cook dons a red shirt and performs as both an instrumentalist and vocalist. Known as the group's intellectual and analytical member—a trait highlighted in several episodes—he often mediates their group decisions. When The Wiggles received honorary degrees from Australian Catholic University, Cook delivered the commencement address.
Before joining The Wiggles, Cook played guitar in late 1980s bands Transistor and Finger Guns, then in Sydney-based Bang Shang a Lang, which he continued to perform with when not touring. After challenges in his music career, he returned to college to study early childhood education at Macquarie University, where he met Anthony Field and Greg Page and co-founded The Wiggles in 1991.
Cook’s trademark within The Wiggles is his passion for guitar playing. He recognized that he might be the first guitarist many children saw and hoped to inspire them to play guitar in the future. Reflecting on his favorite Wiggles song, he chose "Play Your Guitar with Murray," where he enjoys performing like a rock 'n' roll star. His key musical influences include The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Eric Clapton. In 2008, he was ranked as the sixth best guitarist in Australia.
He owns thirty vintage guitars and uses an Australian-made Maton Mastersound 500 guitar onstage. His collection also includes a 1953 Gibson Les Paul gold top, 1964 Fender Stratocaster, James Burton Fender Telecaster, Maton Mastersound 500, and a newer Les Paul used at home and in the studio. His amplifiers include the Marshall Head and Box Combo, Fender Twin, and a Bad Cat amplifier purchased in the U.S. known for its excellent sound.
Nicknamed "Muzz" or "Muzza," Cook created The Wiggles’ signature index finger-wagging gesture after seeing professional bowlers perform it on television.
On 26 January 2010, Cook was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to the arts, particularly children's entertainment, and his support of various charities.
This summary is based on the Wikipedia article "Murray Cook," licensed under CC-BY-SA.
