With the passion of a poet and the power of a rocker, Dana Cooper’s been thrilling listeners for over two decades. His highly original lyrics, skillful guitar work and evocative vocals have earned him a devoted following with fans and critics alike.
Vic Gabarini, writer for Playboy and Guitar World, described Cooper as “literally the best singer/songwriter to emerge from Nashville in over a decade…His heartfelt but sophisticated lyrics aim to reconcile the heart and mind in everyday life. His sense of melody is unique and he has a voice that could melt icecaps.”
Originally from Independence, Missouri, Cooper was playing his own music in Kansas City clubs by the age of 16. After dropping out and leaving behind an art scholarship, he headed for Los Angeles. Elektra Records released his self-titled debut solo album featuring luminary players Russ Kunkel, Leland Sklar and Jim Horn. Cooper later moved to Texas in 1978 to join forced with longtime friend Shake Russell and together they recorded three highly successful folk-rock albums, one of which was released by MCA. The duo became one of the most successful acts in Texas and throughout the Southwest and appeared on Austin City Limits.
By 1983, Cooper decided to explore new artistic styles and formed Dana Coopers DC3. The high-energy rock band released two independent albums which garnered airplay on college radio throughout the US and Canada. In 1988, Cooper returned to his roots, performing solo and released three self-produced acoustic cassettes. 1992 saw the release of his first independent CD "Stone by Stone." This album opened the door to a wider variety of audiences including alternative and public radio. In 1994, Cooper’s "Thrill of Love", recorded with Shake Russell and Jack Saunders, won Album of the Year in the Houston Press/KLOL Music Awards. It was followed by his long awaited acoustic CD "Roughly Speaking."
Cooper has been named Best Songwriter in Houston, was nominated Best Male Vocalist by the Kerrville Music Foundation, and nominated for the Hall of Fame. Cooper’s songs have been recorded by top-notch artists Jonell Mosser, Maura O’Connell, Susan Werner, Jen Cohen, Trout Fishing In America, and Pierce Pettis. His song "Standing in My Own Way" has been recorded by Mia Adams and was featured in the movie "All of It" starring Leslie Ann Warren.
Dana’s latest CD, "Harry Truman Built a Road", was named one of the best records of 2002 by the Tennessean in Nashville. Cooper is touring exclusively in support of "Harry Truman Built a Road."
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