Danny Gokey
USABiography of Danny Gokey
Danny Gokey, an American singer, voice teacher, and church music director, was born on April 24, 1980, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Known for his devoutness, Gokey began his singing career with his family in church. However, he is considered more of a mainstream music participant rather than solely a performer of contemporary Christian music.
For several years, Gokey worked as a worship leader in a church in Milwaukee. Besides his church activities, Danny is passionate about Latin American salsa dancing and playing the piano. According to Gokey, his faith is the "key to who he is".
In July 2008, just four weeks before he received the "American Idol" award, Gokey's wife, Sophia, underwent heart surgery. Sophia had a congenital heart defect, and this was her third surgical intervention. Unfortunately, she did not survive the surgery and passed away due to complications. Danny Gokey lived with his wife for eleven years and credits her as the foundation of his success. Sophia was passionate about music and performing and convinced Gokey to become a professional show-business participant.
After his wife's death, Danny Gokey established a foundation in Sophia's honor, along with her family members, who were musicians. He became the director of the foundation. One of the charitable foundation's programs focuses on providing donated musical instruments to students.
Gokey gained recognition and fame in the United States through his participation in the eighth season of "American Idol". On August 8, 2008, he successfully auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri, alongside his friend Jamar Rogers. Gokey performed Martin Gaye's "I Heard It through the Grapevine". Both friends made it to Hollywood, but Rogers was eliminated before the semifinals. All four judges voted to send Danny Gokey to Hollywood. He made it into the top twelve contestants and, based on the number of votes, reached the top three, guaranteeing him a spot among the finalists.
