Colin Cooper

Musician and songwriter. Born 7th October 1939 in Stafford, England; died July 3, 2008. Sang vocals and played reeds, harp, flute and guitars. Influences were wide ranging - New Orleans clarinettist Johnny Dodds, alto sax men Earl Bostic and Johnny Hodges, tenorist Ben Webster, and bluesmen Big Bill Broonzy, Muddy Waters and Junior Wells. Started on harmonica aged twelve, switched to clarinet at sixteen, and began playing guitar around the same time. A couple of years later began playing saxophone, which subsequently became main instrument. Played in various school and college bands, before forming the Climax Blues Band in 1963.