Leroy Cooper (musician)
Leroy Cooper | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 31, 1928 |
| Origin | Dallas, Texas, US |
| Died | January 15, 2009 (aged 80) |
| Genres | Jazz, R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, bandleader |
| Instrument(s) | Baritone saxophone |
| Years active | 1950s–2000 |
Leroy "Hog" Cooper (August 31, 1928 – January 15, 2009) was an American jazz and R&B baritone saxophonist, most known for his 20-year association, some of the time as musical director/bandleader, with Ray Charles.
From 1948 to 1951, Cooper toured with Ernie Fields' territory band.[1]
A childhood friend of David "Fathead" Newman, in 1954 the two played together in the sax section backing Lowell Fulson on his first single for Chess Records, "Reconsider Baby".[2]
In 1957, Newman recommended Cooper to Charles,[3] who joined Charles' band the same summer as bassist Edgar Willis, both musicians staying on with Charles for some 20 years.[4]
Cooper also played, recorded or toured with Lightnin' Hopkins,[5] Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown,[6] Lowell Fulson, The Righteous Brothers,[7] Dr. John, Del Shannon,[8] Bobby Short,[9] and Joe Cocker.[3] He performed locally in Orlando until the time of his death, with the Smokin' Torpedoes & Josh Miller Blues Band.
Discography[edit]
As sideman[edit]
- with Ray Charles
- with Hank Crawford
- 1960: More Soul (Atlantic)
- 1961: The Soul Clinic (Atlantic)
- 1962: From the Heart (Atlantic)
- 1964: True Blue (Atlantic)
- 1965: Dig These Blues (Atlantic)
- With Curtis Amy
- Mustang (Verve, 1967)
- various
- 1954: "Reconsider Baby" – Lowell Fulson (Chess)
- 1975: Hollywood Be Thy Name – Dr. John
- 1978: Luxury You Can Afford – Joe Cocker
- 1988: Big News from Baton Rouge!! – Kenny Neal
- 1990: Return to the Wide Open Spaces – David Newman
- 1990: Noble & Nat – Noble "Thin Man" Watts and Nat Adderley
- 1991: Walking on Fire – Kenny Neal
References[edit]
- ^ Jasinski, Laurie E. (2011) Handbook of Texas Music. Texas A&M University Press At Google Books. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
- ^ Fulson biography AllMusic. Retrieved June 27, 2013.
- ^ a b Biography AllMusic. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
- ^ Lydon, Michael (2004) Ray Charles: Man and Music, p. 140. Routledge At Google Books. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
- ^ Credits: Texas Blues AllMusic. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
- ^ Credits: Boogie Uproar: Texas Blues and R&B 1947–1954 AllMusic. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
- ^ “Musician in Charles band” Los Angeles Times Retrieved May 18, 2013.
- ^ Credits: Home and Away: The Complete Recordings 1960–1970 AllMusic. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
- ^ Credits: Collectables Classics AllMusic. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
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