Fairfield native, Bobby Cooper, was honored earlier this month at “A Hymn Service Honoring Local Music Legends” in Mexia, Texas.
“I am humbled to have been honed as a local music legend of Bi-Stone County,” says Bobby. “I am grateful to be able to share my love for music; and playing for several churches and events in the area.”
He goes on to say, “It has been a pleasure to serve as a musician for over forty years. I believe that it was destiny for me to be a musician. My life has been blessed because of my music career; therefore, I am thankful to God for the gift of music. Can you imagine a world without music? I love music! I would be lost without a song or music. It’s all good.”
Born in Fairfield, Texas, and a 1972 FHS Graduate, he was influenced by his mother and sister at the age of 12 to play the piano.
His first musical studies were with Mrs. Grace McIlveen, pianist at his local church. His advanced studies were with Dr. Edward Moore at Teague, TX. Bobby also studied voice with his high school Choir Instructor, Mrs. Eva Lois McIlveen who assigned him as assistant choir pianist at Fairfield High School.
At fifteen, Bobby began playing piano for the Sunday School and Youth choir at his local church, Rev. William Johnson, Jr., Pastor. In his early years, attending church at First Baptist Fairfield, Bobby was inspired by the gospel harmony singing of the Willis Sisters. He found his interest in church music. In 1972-1975, Bobby matriculated at Texas Southern University and received the Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, and a minor in Music. He graduated in the Summer of August, 1975. Pursued his studies at Texas Southern, studying piano with Professor M. Reed and voice under Mrs. Ruth Stewart.
Bobby was a member of the original TSU Ocean of Soul marching band; there he played alto saxophone, under Dr. Benjamin Butler, Conductor. While at Texas Southern, Bobby was influenced in his music studies by Mr. Lewis Jackson, Jr., Organist. Living in Houston, he recorded with the late Rev. Eugene Williams (a gospel legend) and the Houston Interdenominational Choir in 1973-74.
In June 1982, Bobby recorded ‘Live in Houston’ with Rev. James Cleveland and the Houston Mass Choir. The album is entitled “For The Prize”, featuring Bobby Cooper with lead on “We Need Love.” In July, 1982, Bobby attended the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) held in Houston, TX; and recorded with the National GMWA Choir. He studied choral directing under Ms. Jewel Kellly, renowned choir director. Bobby resided in Houston for ten years. He was employed at the Houston Post and the Houston Chronicle Newspaper.
Returning home to Fairfield in August, 1982, Bobby became the Music Director at Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church. He served at his local church for over 30 years. He taught piano privately for a number of years. He would go on to become Head of the Music Department at Wesley UMC-Waco, TX.
Later, Bobby organized a gospel group named the Voices of Faith. He began composing and arranging gospel songs for the group; and in 1985, the group recorded an album entitled, “Meet Me in that City.” In 1993, he married the lovely Sharon Kay Smith. Their three sons are Roderick, Corey and Detrick Smith. For over 20 years, Bobby served as Co-Chairman and Music Coordinator of the Dogan High School Alumni ‘Big Broadcast’ talent show in Fairfield. He is an active member of this association. Bobby worked with many groups and choirs during his music career.
In 1996-1999, he was organist at True Lee Missionary Baptist Church-Dallas; Rev. Donald Parish, Sr., Pastor. For many years, Bobby conducted gospel choir workshops throughout areas of Texas. He was director of music for the Fairfield New Life Community Choir. Bobby played keyboard for The Gospel Tones group of Mexia, TX.
In 2006, he formed a gospel group named Bobby Cooper and New Life; consisting of his wife Sharon (soprano), and Diane Jones (alto). Mary Cooper-Hatcher (sister), Manager and Promoter of the group. Theatre involvement: On Jan. 31, 2016, he participated in “Crowns”, the Gospel Musical starring Freda Payne, directed by George Boyd. Presented by Trinity Star Arts Council. Proceeds from this event to benefit TSAC scholarships and programs. The musical received great reviews, and Bobby attained wide recognition for his musical contributions.
His favorite gospel artists include: the late Andre Crouch, the late Albertina Walker, the Georgia Mass Choir, the Mississippi Mass Choir, John P. Kee, Luther Barnes and the Williams Brothers.
Bobby has done much to stimulate interest in gospel music and church musicians. He has participated in many gospel concerts with National recording artists; and he has presented many talented musicians and gospel choirs at gospel musicals. In 2014, Bobby began singing with the Antioch Fellowship Male Chorus-Dallas. At present, Bobby is Music Master at the Andrew Chapel Baptist Church, Groesbeck. Rev. Charles Cashaw is Pastor.
Bobby’s passion for music continues to grow as he plays hymns, spirituals, traditional gospel and contemporary music. “My desire and goal is that somebody will be blessed through this ministry of music.” He exemplifies Col. 3:16. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
“So, I am grateful to God for the gift of music that he has given me; thus, realizing that I made it this far by the Grace of God.”
…And this, my friends, is BOBBY COOPER, the Legend. TGBTG!
