Florence music roots: revisited by alum
Sarah Burpo
Issue date: 1/21/10 Section: News
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Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity sponsored this "Rock the Wreath" Toys for Tots benefit at the Zodiac Theater in downtown Florence. Shane Baker and The Ray Brothers also performed alongside Cory Taylor Cox & The Stocking Stuffers.
Cox is currently working on his M.A. in journalism at Ole Miss but lived in Florence for about three years and graduated in December of 2008 with a BBA in Entertainment Management.
He is currently a DJ for Rebel Radio, the Ole Miss campus radio station, and was heavily involved with MEISA (Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association) at UNA where he was the secretary for two years.
Prior to his days at UNA, Cox received an AA degree in vocal performance from Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville, Miss. After graduate school, Cox plans "live the dream" in Nashville and pursue a career in the music industry.
"I love coming back [to Florence] and reminiscing with old friends," said Cox, "whether at Rivertown [in Florence] or at Old Town Tavern [in Sheffield], it's like playing a show in my basement, there are people there that I know and that I want to share my songs with."
Cox's love for music began when he started playing drums at his church when he was 14 years old.
"Some guys there taught me to play guitar," said Cox.
He started writing songs in high school and ended up recording his first demo instead of going on his senior trip after graduation. "Shows just picked up from there and I've been writing, singing, and touring since," said Cox.
Some of Cox's biggest influences include Bright Eyes, Death Cab for Cutie, Sufjan Stevens, The Avett Brothers, The Eagles, Three 6 Mafia, his close friend Charlie Hardin/Charlie Murphey, family, friends, penguins, broken hearts and hopeless romance.
Cox enjoys playing more intimate shows for "people that really care about the music."
"I enjoy playing any opportunity I can get," said Cox. "I'd rather play to five people hanging on every word that I sing, than 100 people yelling over me to order another drink or answering their cell phones."
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