Leroy Cooper (musician)

Leroy "Hog" Cooper (August 31, 1928 – January 15, 2009) was a jazz and R&B baritone saxophonist, most known for his 20-year association, some of the time as musical director/bandleader, with Ray Charles.

Leroy Cooper
Born(1928-08-31)August 31, 1928
OriginDallas, Texas, US
DiedJanuary 15, 2009(2009-01-15) (aged 80)
GenresJazz, R&B
Occupation(s)Musician, bandleader
InstrumentsBaritone saxophone
Years active1950s–2000

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 twenty 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] Performed locally in Orlando till the time of his death with the Smokin' Torpedoes & Josh Miller Blues Band.

Discography

As sideman
with Ray Charles
with Hank Crawford
With Curtis Amy
various

References
  1. Jasinski, Laurie E. (2011) Handbook of Texas Music. Texas A&M University Press At Google Books. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
  2. Fulson biography allmusic. Retrieved June 27, 2013.
  3. Biography allmusic. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
  4. Lydon, Michael (2004) Ray Charles: Man and Music, p. 140. Routledge At Google Books. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
  5. Credits: Texas Blues allmusic. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
  6. Credits: Boogie Uproar: Texas Blues and R&B 1947–1954 allmusic. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
  7. “Musician in Charles band” Los Angeles Times Retrieved May 18, 2013.
  8. Credits: Home and Away: The Complete Recordings 1960–1970 allmusic. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
  9. Credits: Collectables Classics allmusic. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
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