Michael Cusack (aka Cooze) was born in Somerville New Jersey, November 15, 19something. He became a clamdigger in the early 60's and grew up in Neptune NJ.
He was introduced to music at an early age. Richard Cusack, Sr. was a Barbershop Quartet singer in a band called the "RowBoaters". Many a nights Mike would fall asleep to the sounds of "Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey" or "Heart of My Heart" as dad rehearsed with the band. At 8 years old musical interests took root and Mike began to play guitar. This early interest soon waned as other teenage pursuits took priority. The college years brought a musical resurgence andhe was soon playing the coffee house scene. After college he played single acoustic venues to include The Ark and Senkels in Point Pleasant, Harrigans in Sea Girt, Toad Hall and the Front Street Bar in Red Bank, Barry's in Bradley Beach, and Mrs. Jays Beer Garden in Asbury Park.Cooze worked with various bands through the early 80's. In 1988, Greg Love, Greg Pringle and Mike founded the Lookin' Back Band which played shore clubs and parties. This band shared the spotlight with the Del Vikings and other local oldies shows and concerts. In 1992 Greg Pringle and Cooze became interested in musical sequencing and pursued those interests forming the Heart & Soul Band. Mike continues since.
Cooze actually graduated from Brookdale College, Rider University, and Monmouth University. I have a Bachelors Degree in Accounting/Business and a Masters degree in Computer Science.
Occupation - Systems Analyst/Programmer