The Cox Family

The Cox Family is an American bluegrass and country music group that has built a lasting presence in gospel music. The group originated in Cotton Valley, Louisiana, and was founded by Willard Cox (1937–2019), with the family performing together beginning in 1972. Original members included Willard and his children Evelyn, Lynn, Sidney, and Suzanne. Their sound is defined by close family harmonies and a blend of bluegrass, gospel, and country music.

The group gained significant recognition through their work on the O Brother, Where Art Thou? motion picture soundtrack. They also developed a long-standing association with musician Alison Krauss, who produced several of their albums. Their 1994 album I Know Who Holds Tomorrow, recorded with Krauss, won the 1995 Grammy Award for Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album. The follow-up album Beyond the City received a Grammy nomination. The Cox Family also shared a Grammy Award for their contributions to the compilation Amazing Grace: A Country Salute to Gospel. Other albums in their catalog include Everybody’s Reaching Out for Someone (1993) and Beyond the City (1995).

Following Willard Cox’s passing, the family’s musical legacy has continued through his son Sidney and his granddaughters Anna, Sara, and Lydia. The group released the album Gone Like the Cotton in 2015. Songs such as “First Time I Heard About Heaven” and “I Am Weary, Let Me Rest” remain part of their repertoire. Through multiple generations, the Cox Family has maintained a commitment to the gospel and bluegrass traditions that first brought them together.