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A Marvelous Adventure
Born May 6, 1938 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Taken from us too soon on December 7, 2019.
Moved to NY as a young teenager, first to Harlem and then to Queens where he attended Jamaica High School. It was at HS that he joined with four friends to start a singing group called The Cleftones. Their first record was You Baby You in late 1955. They had other hit records that became part of what was referred to as Rhythm and Blues and then Rock and Roll, and later as Doo Wop.
Herb was the original lead singer and wrote some of their hits, including Little Girl of Mine and Can’t We Be Sweethearts.
The group consisted of various members over the years with Herb remaining as the only original Cleftone. They have performed every consecutive year since 1955 and can proudly claim a career spanning more than 60 years. The group’s last live performance was in April 2017 in Las Vegas.
Herb also had a corporate career with Manufacturers Hanover Bank in Manhattan, juggling the demands of a business career and continuing to perform on weekends and rehearse one evening a week.
Herb has three children from his first marriage (Daryl, Denita and Kerry), a son from his second marriage (Herb Jr.), and a grandson (Christopher). He is also survived by two brothers (Allen and Kevin). He is so very proud of all of them.
Herb finally left NY and relocated to Fayetteville in 2004. With his friend and business partner, Gene Tompkins, they produced several annual shows at the Clayton County Performing Arts Center with headlining Doo Wop acts.
He shared many years of his journey with his partner and love of his life, Penny Clarke.
Jim Southern says
As a former Top 40 DJ and a very senior citizen (77 yo) Herb and the Cleftones were a great part of the soundtrack of my memories. I still enjoy digging out my semi-bass singing voice and harmonizing with their hits. Thanks Herb for all the music.
Fred (and Eileen) Brown says
Deepest sympathy to Herb’s family, fellow performers, and friends. I met Herb at Manny Hanny in the mid ’70s. Since then, whenever the Cleftones appeared at oldies shows, my wife and I would attend, frequently with co-workers and a group of bankers. Herb frequently had a hand in the production, and the performances always exceeded expectations. As good a performer as Herb was, I have always been more impressed with his character and his personality. He has always been patient and gracious and upbeat. The Cleftones could bring me back to the mid-’50s in a flash, so I am happy that his music will never leave us. I am proud to have known him. I will miss him.
Shel Stone says
Through Richard Nader Entertainment, I had the privilege of working with Herb on and off for a quarter of a Century. Besides being an immensely talented performer, Herb was a classy gentleman in every sense possessing great compassion and a sense of kindness. He will be very much missed by all.
Ed Chapdelaine says
Herb, I met you when the Cleftones played a club in Revere MA around 2010. You were very gracious, and I enjoyed talking music with you as I was a former union musician from 1960 until 1975. You signed 3 Cleftone records for me, and I have them on my wall in front of my desk in my study room. Thanks for being such a nice, warm caring person Ed Chapdelaine
Name robert COZZA says
cleftones, heart and soul my favorite song of all times when i went to high school in waterbury ct in the sixtys! so sorry to hear of herbs passing he will be remembered forever in my heart!!!!! rip herb!
LEE APT says
I WAS SO SAD TO HEAR OF HERBIE’S DEATH. I KNEW HIM FROM MANNIE HANNIE, AND THEN FROM GOING TO SEE HIM PERFORM, AND OF COURSE – ON PBS. HE WAS SUCH A GENTLEMAN, AS WELL AS BEING A TOTALLY CHARMING MAN. RIP HERBIE.
Michael Cadina says
My sincere and deepest sympathy, to Herb’s family, friends and associates.
My late siblings love of Doo Wop was passed down to me, as I was born in
57. I can say, hearing Heart and Soul at age four was so great to me. I was
so blessed to see the Herb and The Cleftones, at many venues. Mr. Cox
was always kind, loving and giving to his fans. It truly showed in all his years
of performing, and the way he spoke so kindly wonderful of others. May the
good Lord bless his soul, with love, compassion, and mercy, and bring comfort
to you all, his family.
Joe Stancavish says
I worked with Herb at Manfacturers Hanover in New York City. We had a promotion party at Captains Ketch. We had a great time that night. What a fine person and singer. My condolences to the family, I’m sure that Herb is singing doowop in heaven.
William Blattner says
Herb and the Cleftones gave us great music that we still enjoy today. Herb your legend lives on. Thanks for the great music and memories. Rest In peace.
Tony DeLisio says
I worked with Herb at MHT and he (and the Cleftones) helped me with corporate events. A true gentleman, professional and a friend to all. He will be missed but memories of him will never leave us
Rob Brandon says
I worked with Herb at “Manny Hanny” (Mfrs Hanover Trust) in NYC in the 1980’s. Not many people know it, but Herb was a brilliant bank Vice President. Always a class act — a gentleman.
Mike Lawlor says
Im just a regular fan who loved the Cleftones and other Doo Wopp groups Im 70 now and still cna’t get enogh of the sound.
Im so sorry for your loss. I saw him in a couple of interviews, well spoken , interesting, just a likeable guy. May the LORD bless and
protect his family. John 3:16
Mike
Retired Firemen
Calif…
Arnold Trogman says
I’m a singer in lockdown like everyone else because of covid-19. I only discovered the cleftones a couple of weeks ago and their song Beginners At Love ..continues to go through my mind. I have the tracks though they’re not very good but I hope to sing it someday in front of an audience. The Cleftones were a great group and God bless you Herbie Cox. I’m your newest fan. RIP
Dr Joseph E Trevaskis says
Sorry to learn of your passing. I hadn’t seen you since sharing the office/cubical at Manufacturer’s Hanover Trust. May you rest in peace. You made many happy. God Bless
Abraham Axelrud says
Herb Cox gave me so much with his music and love of the music. To see the group preform with him on lead is the true meaning of doo wop. He will always be with us and we will always hear his voice.
Rabbi Abraham Axelrud The Doo Wop Rabbi.
Joanne Holmes says
I just heard about my friend and old school friend from Jamaica High School Herbie Cox, and it saddens me to hear he passed away. We have known each other from the olde gang since we were in Junior and High School together. Always a great person to know,
and we will miss him so much. RIP Herbie, My condolences to his Family.
Joanne Hutchinson-Holmes.
Patricia Thomas-Wiltshire says
I just today, learned of my ole school mate’s passing! My condolences to his family and friends. He put the Cleftones out there and we surely enjoyed them! He will definitely be missed…RIP, Herbie.
Moe Botero says
10/25/2020 9:30pm
Today I was surfing the internet for the history of record labels when grief struck me hard – I found that Herb passed away 10 months ago.
I am sadden with the loss of a super co-worker at MHT; I had started my computer programming career in Hicksville L.I. when I read the minutes of the OPS dept and immediately recognized his name. I asked my co-workers who only knew he was a former 60’s singer. I begged to go to the next meeting at 4 NY Plaza. When I met him I was amazed at his courteous, warm friendly demeanor. He recognized my idolization of his songs so he offered to sign anything I wished for . . . at the next meeting he signed 2 LPs, 3 pics and 3 Rock&Roll books ! then invited my wife & I to his next show in Nyack – front row seats too !! . He was a very humble down to earth person. I saw him perform many times after that. His expression was priceless at the next OPS mtg – over a dozen Human Reources staff lined up for his autograph ! From a clerk to AVP Herb was a model employee and performer. Herb was not one to let the limelight overwhelm him. He was so grateful for his fans and fan club. Herb has left a huge impact in my musical preferences and his songs. R.I.P. dear irreplaceable friend ,
Sheila Arno says
So sorry to hear about the passing of Herbie Cox. I met Herbie back in 1967-68 when I worked at Chemical Bank, he always came over to 2 Broadway to have lunch, he was such a cool guy. May he rest in peace.
Sheila
david says
Saw you many times at Brooklyn Paramount and loved every
song that Cleftones did.RIP
Wally Elovitch says
Just noticed the obituary of Herbie Cox. My condolences go out to his entire family. Herbie and the rest of the Cleftones left music that still resonates with me.I will be 80 year old in June of 2021 and I still remember his first song “You BabyYou”(55). A year later, while riding home from winning a N.Y.C. softball tournament, and listening to the radio, Mr.Freed says, here is a new one by Herbie Cox and the Cleftones”Can’t We Be Sweethearts”. My teammates and I just felt the electricity in the song. Herbie thank you for that . Your music is still alive .Rest in peace.
Tony Hrenyo says
I hired Herb and cleftones I early 1990s for the STAnthony Italian festival in Bridgeport Connecticut held by Holy Rosary church . I had the honor to pick up Herb from Freeport LI and bring him to a couple of Canle TV interviews we chatted and it was a nice experience for me . I had recently though of him and I walked into the supermarket and Little girl of mine started to play!it was like the universe was speaking to me! nd I was just having a conversation with a friend of what kind of work experience I could have that I did not get paid for well there you have it.Herb was a nice guy and Gentleman.
I would love to work in the entertainment industry if I had to make a career change.I think Herb spoke to me with that song at the very moment I was thinking of him now I just have to figure out what it means.Thanks Herb Rest In Peace. Tony Jrenyo
Bemis Locklear says
Gene Tompkins introduce me to Herb Cox, at The Georgia Hall of Fame Induction for Roy Hamilton. My impression of Herb was overwhelming,
very clean cut decent fellow. My favorite song by the Cleftones was “Heart and Soul” May Herb rest in peace, God Bless the family. Bemis Locklear
Margaret Carter says
I’m so sorry to hear about Hebert Cox and of course I’m late I was just listening to doWop sounds on music station that plays oldies and the cleft tones came on I also saw them at my high school where they performed condolences to his family
Pat Forte says
The cleftones were a terrific doo wop group for sentimental reasons was my favorite of there songs brings back so many memories in the 60s.Rest in peace to all of them and God Bless Them all.
Ken cleary says
Saw him outside Valencia theater Jamaica queens ny he had a silver studebaker station wagon silver with a sign on the side windows the bouncing cleftones
Joe Cirilla says
Herb was a class act, he loved people the way people loved him. He will be missed by all. Heart and Soul was the best single doo wop ever recorded. He’s proud as hell in heaven
Penny Clarke says
Hi, this is Penny. I wished I had been checking this site more regularly. So many updates since his passing. Thank you for all the love and respect for this talented man.
I created a web site to honor him so enjoy. Hope it recalls happy memories of him and his music: herbcox.com
Don Carney says
Very sorry to hear of Herbs passing, as a bass singer I always enjoyed singing along with the delft ones. herb will be missed greatly.
Bill mcnamara says
Just always loved all the cleftones songs, especially Italy, Little girl of mine, my prayers.
Valerie Listorti says
“Heart and Soul” was just on the radio and I thought . . . WoW, Herbie Cox! We worked together at Manufacturer’s Hanover Trust in NYC. Googled him . . . so very sad. I have fond memories of Herbie . . . sweet man – unpretentious – soft spoken – a true class act. Feel so fortunate to have crossed paths with Herbie in my life. May God Rest His Soul . . . blessings for his family.
Anthony De Louise says
I was saddened when I read about Herbs passing. I too worked with him at MHT in lower Manhattan. He congratulated me on the birth of my twins. I don’t remember if Herb was there in June of 1983 when Cyndi Lauper recorded part of her hit “Girls Just want to Have Fun” in front of MHT. He was a terrific, well-respected man. Rest in Peace Herb, You will be missed.
Patrick S. says
I found Herb a few years ago, and since then I’ve always admired and loved what he has brought into this world. His music and legacy will last forever and as a youngin’ I hope that I can continue to share it with others. I truly wish I could have met him at some point, but time waits for no man. Rest in Piece Herbie.
Harold Schiffer says
Last evening on the car radio 50’s station was Herbie Cox and the Cleftones. I told my daughter that Herbie was a great guy and a great human being. I had met Herb at a Rock And Roll event hosted by Mickey B . Herb was a true gentleman and terrific singer. I asked my daughter to Google him and sadly, she informed me that he passed.
It saddened me to hear that. May his voice and songs go on forever and may his memory be for a blessing
Sheldon Plotnick says
I have belatedly learned of Herbs death only today 11 6/2021. I wish his family my deepest sympathies.
I remember singing on the street corners of Bed/Stuy Brooklyn NY in the 50s.We would always try to emulate Herb and the Cleftones singing You Baby You,See you Next Year and many of their other hits,especially Can’t we be Sweethearts.
MAY He Rest In Peace forever.
Sherry daniels says
SHERRY DANIELS IT IS JUNE 2022 AND
I LIVED DOWN THEHALLFROM HERBWHEN WE WERE YOUNGER WE RAN INTO EACH OTHER EVERY NOW AND THEN IM JUST FINDING OUT MY FRIEND PAST HERB YOU REST IN PEACE WE WILL REMEMBER YOU ALWAYS AND BLESS YOUR FAMILY
SHERRY
Peter Cullen says
I once saw Herb Cox and the Cleftones play at the Wm. Carlos Williams Theater in Rutherford ,N.J. about 25 -30 years ago ,Herb was a great entertainer and showman ,I truly enjoyed the show and Herb and his group performance that day stayed in my memory !God bless and R.I.P.
Bob Morton says
I am now 81 and I remember the Cleftones being one of most favorite groups all throughout the years. Herbie Cox was really the Heart & Soul of of the group(s) and a class act always. What a time! What memories!
Sleep in God’s peace brother Herb
Gary says
I had the pleasure of seeing the Cleftones in the 90s. Herbie was performing at an IBM function at the Ramada Inn in Poughkeepsie NY. He did a great show and was an amazing entertainer. A great experience from a great man.
Good bless you Herbie
James A. Johnson says
I remember Herb Cox & the Cleftones when I was a teenager-Little Girl of Mine & Heart & Soul in 1961 in particular. Herb & the Cleftones were outstanding. Today I am a basketball cognoscente, trial lawyer and social activist. It was later that I learned Herb is a 1955 alum of Jamica H.S. In1955 Jamica ‘s basketball team won the PSAL City Championship at Madison Square Garden with All-City & St Johns Univ – Alan Seiden.
Herb Cox was loved by many and is credited with advancing Rock & Roll Music. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
James A. Johnson, Esq.
http://www.JamesAJohnson.Esq.com
Larry says
Watching Herb Cox on PBS now. Amazing performer. Rest in Peace.
Diane says
Diane Coles August 2024
So sad Just this evening learned from a random Google search that Herbie Cox passed. Herbie and the Cleftones are part of the soundtrack of my life. i went to Jamaica High School a couple years after Herbie. i remember him and Buzzy, Berman practicing “This Little Girl of Mine” in the evening community center for teens at Parsons Junior High School. Great memories. RIP Herbie.
Bob Bracken says
Loved Herbie’s music. Met him once. He was a soft-spoken, sincere gentleman of the highest order. RIP Herbie….
Shirley “Jeanne” says
I went to Jamaica high school With Herb and Berman Patterson. They used to walk me to the bus and I loved to hear them sing. We did some talent shows at Jamaica high school together. I and my friend would do Gerry and Pati Lewis lip-synching their songs. We were a comic duo. Later on in life, my daughter went to Jamaica high school and one day we attended a concert and sure enough there they were so we got to spend a lot of time reminiscing about the old days. So sorry Penny, that you had to lose such a fine man. My prayers go out to you to continue to stay strong.