Danny Cox, born on July 18, 1943, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was the seventh of eight children to Bessie and Daniel Cox. From a young age, his heart was filled with music, and he sang in the church choir alongside his childhood friend, Rudolph Isley. Danny’s professional music career began in the 1960s when he started the Hottenanny Folk Tour, which he later performed on alongside his sister, Margaret Cox. 

In 1967, Danny moved to Kansas City, where his career truly flourished. He performed at iconic local venues like the Vanguard Coffee House and the Cowtown Ballroom, earning a devoted following. Throughout his career, Danny recorded albums for major labels such as ABC Dunhill, Casablanca, and MGM. He also worked with Good Karma Productions, managed by Stand Plesser, and collaborated with acts like Brewer & Shipley and The Ozark Mountain Daredevils. His performances were legendary, with sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall, and he toured the world, even owning a horse ranch in Mexico for a time. Danny also had the honor of performing with music legends, including Ray Charles, a testament to his skill and presence in the music world. 

Danny was not only a talented musician but also an accomplished actor and voice-over artist. His voice became a staple in Kansas City’s radio and TV ads. He appeared in motion pictures, including Mr. & Mrs. Bridge, and his stage career was marked by numerous performances in theater productions. He is perhaps best known for his recurring role as the Ghost of Christmas Present in the Missouri Repertory Theater’s production of A Christmas Carol. Danny also performed in productions with The Foley Theater, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and the American Heartland Theater. He wrote and performed in countless theater productions, including those focused on the history of the Negro Leagues and Black Cowboys of the Old West. 

A passionate advocate for social justice, Danny participated in the Civil Rights Movement in Cincinnati, marching for equality even before it was widely popular. He used his platform to spread messages of love, peace, and unity, which were central themes in his music, theater, and activism. Over his career, he released seven commercial albums and wrote hundreds of songs, plays, and jingles. 

Danny Cox’s contributions to the arts were recognized by his induction into the Kansas City Musicians Foundation Hall of Fame, among numerous other awards. He continued to perform well into his late 70s, even traveling to Orlando to perform with their orchestra. His influence in Kansas City’s artistic community remains immeasurable. 

Danny’s legacy is one of passion, creativity, and a deep commitment to his family, his community, and his craft. His impact will continue to inspire for generations to come. 

Despite his public career, Danny was a deeply personal and thoughtful man. One of his most cherished sayings was, “Remember.” We, his children, would often respond with "Wherever you go, there you are,” and though it seemed like a simple exchange, it carried deep meaning. He would remind us, through those words, that no matter where we go in life, we carry with us our thoughts, feelings, and experiences - and that true peace comes from within. It’s something we didn’t fully understand until time passed, but it remains a core lesson he taught us. 

We loved watching our dad perform. Whether it was attending his plays, concerts, or hearing his jingles and voiceovers on TV, we were always filled with pride knowing that our dad was someone so many people admired and loved. But sometimes, we had to gently remind him that at home, he wasn’t Danny Cox the performer - he was just Dad. We didn’t care about how famous he might have been or the attention he received from others. What mattered most to us was his love, his presence, and the way he made us feel like we were his greatest audience, not his fans. 

He always made time to be present with us. Even as a kid, I remember him coming off tour, no matter how late it was, and waking me up in the middle of the night to give me a present he picked up from some city he visited. He was always thinking about his kids, always putting us first, no matter where he was in the world. That thoughtfulness and love were constant, and we’ll forever carry that with us. 

Dad had a unique way of disciplining us. While many children of his generation might have received a swift punishment, our dad would take a different approach - long, thoughtful lectures that drilled into us lessons about life, responsibility, and self-awareness. We used to wish he would just spank us like our friends, but now we understand the wisdom behind his approach. The lessons stuck, and his words still echo in our hearts. 

Dad’s love for his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, knew no bounds. His home was often filled with the joyful sounds of his grandkids and great-grandkids running in and out of the door - despite him telling them not to! They’d play outside, ask Grandma for cookies, and even find ways to join in on Dad’s music, singing songs and creating artwork alongside him. Whether it was his grandchildren or great-grandchildren, Dad’s love for them was boundless. He cherished every moment he spent with them, passing on his creativity, his love for music, and his passion for life. 

In addition to his musical talents, Danny was also a gifted artist. He had been awarded an art scholarship to study in Paris, a dream that many would have eagerly pursued. However, in true Danny fashion, he chose to follow his heart’s calling and turned down the scholarship to pursue his passion for music. He taught all of us to follow our dreams, to never be afraid to take risks, and to always stay true to what fills our souls. 

Being a great father, as Dad showed us, isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, being present, and ensuring your children know they are loved and supported. Dad did that and so much more. His actions - whether helping with homework, cheering us on, or simply listening when we needed him most - shaped us into the people we are today. Even when he had to show us tough love, we knew it came from the heart. It wasn’t always easy for him, and it wasn’t easy for us, but we understood that every lesson he imparted was rooted in love and a deep desire to see us grow. The tough moments were just as hard for him as they were for us, and we’ll forever be grateful for how he guided us with both love and wisdom. 

Our world will never feel the same without him. He was our Superman, our protector, and our guide. We miss him more than words can express. He was an extraordinary father, a kind soul, and a truly remarkable human being. 

Danny Cox Jr. legacy is one of courage, strength, and an unwavering belief in love and art. His impact on this world will never be forgotten, and his spirit will continue to guide and inspire us every single day. We love you, Dad. Thank you for everything. Your light will never fade. 

Danny Cox is survived by his two remaining siblings, Larry and Phillip Cox; his loving wife, Mona; his eleven children: Stephanie, Daniel “Trey,” Nathaniel, Amy, Jessica, Sunny, Jacob, Simon, Joseph, Caleb, Bobby; twenty-five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews across the country.