Herb Cox - Memory Care Residence
Donation protected
I would like to introduce you to Herb Cox.
This is probably my favorite picture of him that I have as my screensaver. Always makes me smile to see his lovely face.
Now if you immediately said “The Cleftones” then no further introduction is required.
It is with great sadness in my heart that I have to let everyone know that Herb is now in memory care. We are in year 7 of a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. He is in a wonderful facility called Heartis that is only about 15 minutes away from our home.
I have had to face the harsh reality that I am no longer the best person to care for him. As much as I would love to keep him at home, we are at the point where we need professional help and a safer environment (no more stairs).
This transition is going to be hard on both of us, not just financially but emotionally devastating.
Herb and I started living together in New York in 1998 and in 2003 we purchased our house in Fayetteville, GA. In 2004 we relocated permanently to GA. Other than all of the trips to the airport for Herb to travel for performances (I could put my car on auto-pilot) then we led a very modest life style - just the two of us.
Herb had marked out an area in the garden where he grew fruit and vegetables for me. He even planted carrots as he knew my rabbits enjoyed the green tops. The fruit was not always a success as we raced to get there first before the deer, birds and many other critters here.
Below is a photo taken on Herb’s 80th birthday in May 2018 as we celebrated at the home of dear friends, Gene and Joan.
Over the years I have met so many fans who told me how much his music meant to them. Always a reference to the soundtrack of enduring memories. He wrote so many songs and sang lead on most, including Little Girl of Mine and Can’t We Be Sweethearts. I hope you had the opportunity over the last 60+ years to see him perform live.
Although many viewed Herb as the leader of the group, he always saw The Cleftones as a group of 5 singers who took vocal harmony to another level. Magic.
The group’s last performance was at Viva Las Vegas in April 2017. In hindsight I wish we had known as Tom Ingram would have made it a wonderful celebration. Tom is the founder and producer of this rockabilly festival and became a personal friend having met Herb when he was performing in the UK in the early 90s.
Please hold hands with me by way of this site to show our appreciation and affection for this wonderful man. He has given us so much joy over the years and now he is at a very challenging time in his life.
All donated funds will be used to support him while he is a resident in the Memory Care facility at Heartis. I have isolated a joint account that will only be used to assist in paying Heartis. Money from this fund will be transferred to this account and will go towards payment of the monthly invoices, estimated to be $5500 per month. The goal of this fund is to help me keep Herb in residence for 5 years.
I am hoping that Doo-Wop groups and fan organizations across this country and even globally will create other fundraising events to honor Herb, his music and the life he dedicated to his fans.
Below is the latest photo I have of Herb. This was taken after he had showered and was all bundled up in his bathrobe on the bed. The gentleman with him is his brother Allen who was visiting for a few days over MLK weekend 2019.
This is the time when he needs to hear from you. When you make a donation, please add a message to Herb and I will make sure I read every one to him.
Below is a photo of Herb and I in Vegas, October 2017.
With sincere thanks to all.
Penny
This is probably my favorite picture of him that I have as my screensaver. Always makes me smile to see his lovely face.
Now if you immediately said “The Cleftones” then no further introduction is required.
It is with great sadness in my heart that I have to let everyone know that Herb is now in memory care. We are in year 7 of a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. He is in a wonderful facility called Heartis that is only about 15 minutes away from our home.
I have had to face the harsh reality that I am no longer the best person to care for him. As much as I would love to keep him at home, we are at the point where we need professional help and a safer environment (no more stairs).
This transition is going to be hard on both of us, not just financially but emotionally devastating.
Herb and I started living together in New York in 1998 and in 2003 we purchased our house in Fayetteville, GA. In 2004 we relocated permanently to GA. Other than all of the trips to the airport for Herb to travel for performances (I could put my car on auto-pilot) then we led a very modest life style - just the two of us.
Herb had marked out an area in the garden where he grew fruit and vegetables for me. He even planted carrots as he knew my rabbits enjoyed the green tops. The fruit was not always a success as we raced to get there first before the deer, birds and many other critters here.
Below is a photo taken on Herb’s 80th birthday in May 2018 as we celebrated at the home of dear friends, Gene and Joan.
Over the years I have met so many fans who told me how much his music meant to them. Always a reference to the soundtrack of enduring memories. He wrote so many songs and sang lead on most, including Little Girl of Mine and Can’t We Be Sweethearts. I hope you had the opportunity over the last 60+ years to see him perform live.
Although many viewed Herb as the leader of the group, he always saw The Cleftones as a group of 5 singers who took vocal harmony to another level. Magic.
The group’s last performance was at Viva Las Vegas in April 2017. In hindsight I wish we had known as Tom Ingram would have made it a wonderful celebration. Tom is the founder and producer of this rockabilly festival and became a personal friend having met Herb when he was performing in the UK in the early 90s.
Please hold hands with me by way of this site to show our appreciation and affection for this wonderful man. He has given us so much joy over the years and now he is at a very challenging time in his life.
All donated funds will be used to support him while he is a resident in the Memory Care facility at Heartis. I have isolated a joint account that will only be used to assist in paying Heartis. Money from this fund will be transferred to this account and will go towards payment of the monthly invoices, estimated to be $5500 per month. The goal of this fund is to help me keep Herb in residence for 5 years.
I am hoping that Doo-Wop groups and fan organizations across this country and even globally will create other fundraising events to honor Herb, his music and the life he dedicated to his fans.
Below is the latest photo I have of Herb. This was taken after he had showered and was all bundled up in his bathrobe on the bed. The gentleman with him is his brother Allen who was visiting for a few days over MLK weekend 2019.
This is the time when he needs to hear from you. When you make a donation, please add a message to Herb and I will make sure I read every one to him.
Below is a photo of Herb and I in Vegas, October 2017.
With sincere thanks to all.
Penny
Organizer
Penny Clarke
Organizer
Fayetteville, GA
