Michael Cooper – The Soul Projector!
December 18, 2008 by admin
Filed under Featured Artists
Michael Vernon Cooper was born in Vallejo, California, U.S.A.
His musical career started during his high school days where he formed a group named Project Soul with Louis McCall.Michael is a multi-talented performer whose musical ability was extensive. He played the guitar, sitar, timbales, and percussion extremely well and is a good vocalist as well.
Michael and Louis transferred to Memphis and created the group Con Funk Shun in 1972.
Michael was the lead singer and songwriter for the group until 1987 when he decided to sign with Warner Brothers as a solo artist.
He then released his debut album ‘Love Is Such A Funny Game’ in 1987 which includes ‘To Prove My Love’ which charted at number 3 on the R&B charts.
He also did a follow-up album in 1989, ‘Just What I Like’, which also did quite well.
Meanwhile, he co-composed a material for Pebbles, entitled ‘ Do Me Right’.
This was followed by ‘Get Closer’, which featured guest performances from jazz musicians Roy Ayers, Charles Tolliver, and Buddy Montgomery. The album was released in 1992.
Michael went back to recording in 2001, issuing ‘This Heart Of Mine’, which includes a very good cover of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Looking For Another Pure Love, (which was included originally on Stevie’s ‘Talking Book’ album of 1972).
TJ Grooves
Rare Soul Grooves & Soul Music TV
Anyone remember Shoop Shoop? That was Michael Cooper, wasn’t it? I heard that he still records and performs with Con Funk Shun, but Louis McCall was murdered and some of the other members dropped out of music.
Soulwalking has this to say: “After the death of Louis McCall in 1997, four of the original band members, Cedric Martin, Rev. Karl Fuller, Danny Thomas, and Paul Harrell, exhibited a spirit of unity by their show of support for Louis’ wife and two children. In late 2006, they created “Team Con Funk Shun” to assist the family in bringing Louis’ killer to justice. Outraged by the cold-blooded murder of their band mate, the men have vowed to attend the upcoming court proceedings with the family. After the trial, they are starting a scholarship fund to help a deserving college-bound student from Louis’ alma mater, Vallejo High School, who plans to major in criminal justice or law.”
“To Prove My Love” took my breath away. They just don’t make songs like they used to. That’s such a shame. Michael Cooper, if you’re planning a tour, please bring it to Hawaii.