Donald Christopher Cooper (born August 22, 1965) is an American singer.
D. C. Cooper | |
|---|---|
 D C Cooper at RoSfest 2013 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Donald Christopher Cooper |
| Born | August 22, 1965 Johnstown, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Website | dccooper |
Career
editCooper 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
editWhile 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
editThe Tung Bandits
edit- The Tung Bandits (album) (1990)
Solo album
edit- D. C. Cooper (1999)
Royal Hunt
edit- Far Away (EP) (1995)
- Moving Target (1995)
- 1996 (1996)
- Paradox (1997)
- Closing the Chapter (1998)
- The Best (1998)
- The Best Live (1998)
- Show Me How To Live (2011)
- A Life to Die For (2013)
- Devil's Dozen (2015)
- Cargo (2016)
- 2016 (2017)
- Cast in Stone (2018)
- Dystopia (2020)
- Dystopia II (2022)
Silent Force
edit- The Empire of Future (2000)
- Infatuator (2001)
- Worlds Apart (2004)
- Walk the Earth (2007)
Missa Mercuria
edit- Missa Mercuria (2002)
Amaran's Plight
edit- Voice in the Light (2007)
Guest appearances
edit| 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
edit- ^ "D.C. Cooper Biography". Retrieved April 27, 2007.
- ^ D.C. Cooper and Silent Force: May The Force Be With You
- ^ Rockitt, Rob (November 5, 2013). "SILENT FORCE "Rising From Ashes" will be released on December 13th!". Hard Rock Hideout. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
- ^ "Journal of Emergency Medical Services".