D. C. Cooper

D. C. Cooper
D C Cooper at RoSfest 2013
D C Cooper at RoSfest 2013
Background information
Birth nameDonald Christopher Cooper
Born (1965-08-22) August 22, 1965 (age 59)
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
OccupationSinger
Years active1989–present
Websitedccooper.com

Donald Christopher Cooper (born August 22, 1965) is an American singer.

Career

Cooper started his career playing in several local bands and touring local clubs in the Pittsburgh area while studying singing under renowned opera coach Charlotte Coleman. His first thrust into the international spotlight was as a finalist to be Rob Halford's replacement in Judas Priest. Having created a buzz at the auditions, Cooper found himself with offers to sing for many European and American bands. He selected the band Royal Hunt and officially joined the band on December 26, 1994.[1]

After spending four years with Royal Hunt, Cooper was suddenly and unexpectedly fired from the band, which he discovered by reading an announcement on their website.[2] His next project, a solo album that he began in 1998, enlisted the help of musicians from many well known bands (among them guitarist Tore Østby of Conception, and members of Pink Cream 69). He released D. C. Cooper in 1999.

After a successful tour, Cooper formed a new band with former Sinner guitarist Alex Beyrodt called Silent Force. They have released four studio albums of their own. In 2012, Cooper made an announcement saying he was leaving the band and a new line-up was announced in 2013. Cooper was replaced by singer Michael Bormann.[3]

Cooper has recorded guest vocals for Australian progressive metal act Voyager. In 2011 he rejoined Royal Hunt and performed on their Japan and Russian tour. Later the same year it was announced that Cooper would make a new record with the band.

Cooper recorded lead vocals for the Italian band Derdian for their album "Revolution Era".

Personal life

While not on tour, Cooper can frequently be found volunteering as a firefighter in his home state of Pennsylvania.

Cooper is married to Michelle Cooper and the couple has two sons, born in 2003 and 2005.[4]

Discography

The Tung Bandits

  • The Tung Bandits (album) (1990)

Solo album

Royal Hunt

Silent Force

Missa Mercuria

  • Missa Mercuria (2002)

Amaran's Plight

  • Voice in the Light (2007)

Guest appearances

Artist Album Year
Victory Voiceprint 1996
Shadow Gallery Tyranny 1998
Explorer's Club Age of Impact 1998
Pink Cream 69 Electrified 1998
Rage Unity 2002
Various Artists Missa Mercuria 2002
Edenbridge Aphelion 2003
Gary Hughes Once and Future King Part II 2003
Dol Ammad Ocean Dynamics 2006
Steel Seal By the Power of Thunder 2007
Persephone's Dream Pyre of Dreams 2007
Daniele Liverani's Genius: A Rock Opera Episode 3: The Final Surprise 2007
Voyager The Meaning Of I 2011
Derdian Revolution Era 2016

References

  1. ^ "D.C. Cooper Biography". Retrieved April 27, 2007.
  2. ^ D.C. Cooper and Silent Force: May The Force Be With You
  3. ^ Rockitt, Rob (November 5, 2013). "SILENT FORCE "Rising From Ashes" will be released on December 13th!". Hard Rock Hideout. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
  4. ^ "Journal of Emergency Medical Services".