Singer-Songwriter Dana Cooper performs at Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse on May 16 at 7:30 p.m. Said to “sing like an angel and play like the devil” by fellow singer-songwriter Buzz Holland, Cooper has performed on many programs and stages including Austin City Limits, West Virginia’s Mountain Stage and at the Kerrville Folk Festival.
According to Wikipedia, his music—in the pop, rock, and contemporary folk genres— has been recorded by a long list of artists, such as bluegrass singer Claire Lynch, Irish vocalist Maura O’Connell, Nashville songbird Jonell Mosser, as well as songwriters Pierce Pettis and Susan Werner. His extensive catalog and musical sensibilities have led to endorsements from AirPlay Direct and Elixir Strings.
Important collaborations over the years with Shake Russell produced at least four albums: “Songs on the Radio” in 1978, “The Shake Russell - Dana Cooper Band” in 1981, and again in 1981, “Coming Home” with John Vandiver and The Michael Marcoulier Band. In 1998, Cooper and Russell released “Love’s Bright Campaign.” Other collaborations included work with Kim Carnes, Tom Kimmel, Josh Leo, Hal Ketchum, Kim Richer and many others to produce the 28 albums in his large catalog.
His latest CD, released in 2022, is titled “I Can Face the Truth.” In it, Cooper faces hard truths with humor and heartfelt expression. He joined forces with Co-Producer and multi-instrumentalist Dave Coleman to enlist some of the best songwriters, singers, and musicians from the U.S. and Ireland.
Cooper’s lifelong passion for music began at age two in Kansas City. His father, George, was a huge influence. One of Dana’s earliest memories is of his father taking him to the Calico Cat, popping a coin in the jukebox and listening to Dana sing along with Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb.
At age 20, Cooper moved to Los Angeles which resulted in a record deal with Elektra Records where he recorded his first album with members of “The Section,” Russ Kunkel and Leland Sklar, as well as other luminary players Jim Horn, Al Perkins, Jim Gordon, Joe Osborne, and Lee Holdridge. This album, simply titled “Dana Cooper,” was recently reissued on the Warner/ Japan label.
Cooper’s list of accolades is nearly as long as his catalog. Not only is he a Veteran Recurring Performer at the Kerrville Folk Festival, he has won awards from the Folk Alliance International, The Tennessean and the Indie Acoustic Project. He was nominated for a Nashville Music Award for Best Pop Album for “Miracle Mile” in 1997.
His performance is part of Susanna’s Kitchen coffeehouse concert series at the Wimberley United Methodist Church, corner of RR 12 and CR 1492. Doors open at 7 and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for kids. Tamales, pizza, pie,coffee and soft drinks are available for purchase. Proceeds benefit The Barnabas Connection, Bright Beginnings Preschool scholarships and other nonprofits.
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