The last spin
George Cooks has passed away…a man whose Rowe St Records shop was at one time a haven for every lover of classical music in Sydney.
George Cooks in his store
The Hungarian Holocaust survivor was a cultural icon of the 50s, 60s and 70s during which time he would be visited by almost every visiting international classical musician visiting and his shop received acknowledgment from the Sydney Opera House in its programs from the day it opened.
George Cooks used his store as an informal club where clients would pop in to discuss the latest recordings and he numbered amongst his customers people from all walks of life from office workers to Prime Ministers with Bob Hawke and Paul Keating ranking high among them.
Rowe St Records was known as one of the best sources of classical music and opera recordings in Australia.
For his work in the classical music field, George Cooks received an ARIA in 1988.
George Cooks is survived by his wife Vera who always referred to his as the love of her life. She shared his passion for classical music and children Susie and Andrew who traveled from the United States for his funeral, grandchildren and his great granddaughter Anna whom he adores.
