These pages are dedicated to my dad
"BOB COOPER" who
was a lover of Blues, Ragtime, Jazz and the
Bigband sound. He spent most of his years as a young
adult and up until his late 60's in different small
bands. He grew up in N.J. and there in high school
he teamed up with "Les
Elgart" and they started
playing gigs for school functions and then went on
to playing for parties and other social functions
around their home town. Dad was the "Drummer" and a
hip young man. After high school they joined Les's
older brother Larry's band. When Larry wanted to go
overseas to entertain the troops dad couldn't go and
so his association with the Elgart brothers was
broken.
Dad spent almost two years in a
hospital, he was in a bad auto accident and was in a
coma for a long time. When he finally came out of it
and was able to go home he took up where he had left
off. He found some musicians and again began doing
gigs in resorts, bars, dance halls and any place
else where he could find work. The music he played
ranged from blues, jazz, bigband sounds and even
western rock.
His final gig was on New Years
Eve 1985, in a small restaurant bar at the age of
68. He said he had a long run but now it was time to
sit home and listen to his records and watch the old
movie musicals.
This is a picture of my dad on that night and with
him are the other members of his little
group Al on the horn, Art on the keyboard and his
singer Fran.
Dad, I sure do miss you and our
good times together. Hope you like this.
If
you click on the thumbnails you will see a bigger
version of these
pictures.
Now we will get
into a little history and fun stuff about each
birthin' of the beginning of "Rhythm". Just click on
your desired location. Above all I wish you good
memories and fun.
If you have any questions or new ideas for these pages don't hesitate to e-mail me. I love hearing from those that take the time to sign my guestbook.
