Dana Cooper presented by Rainshadow Concerts

Dana Cooper’s lifelong passion & devotion to music began at age 2 in Kansas City. One of Dana’s earliest memories is of his father taking him to the Calico Cat, popping a coin in the jukebox and listening to Dana sing along with Hank Williams & Ernest Tubb.

At age 20 a move to LA resulted in a record deal with Elektra Records where he recorded his first album with members of “The Section,” Russ Kunkel and Leland Sklar, as well as other luminary players Jim Horn, Al Perkins, Jim Gordon, Joe Osborne, and Lee Holdridge. This album still wins accolades today and was recently reissued on the Warner/Japan label.

After years in California, Texas and Seattle, Cooper moved to Nashville to pursue his songwriting career collaborating with songwriters like Tom Kimmel, Don Henry, Kim Carnes and Kim Richey.

His years as a troubadour is measured by his impressive 28 albums and collection of accolades:

• In the Spirit of Folk Award from Folk Alliance International (2015)

• Heritage Musician Award from The Pilgrim Center for the Arts in Kansas City, MO (2014)

• Veteran Recurring Performer at Kerrville Folk Festival

• Best Male Songwriter Award Indie Acoustic Project, for Made of Mud (2005).

• Best Record Award The Tennesseean, for Harry Truman Built a Road (2002)

• Nashville Music Award Nomination Best Pop Album for Miracle Mile (1997)

Cooper’s songs have been recorded by bluegrass singer Claire Lynch, Irish vocalist Maura O’Connell, Nashville songbird Jonell Mosser, as well as songwriters Pierce Pettis and Susan Werner. His incredible catalogue and musical sensibilities have led to endorsements from AirPlay Direct and Elixir Strings.