Colin Cooper
October 7, 1939 – July 3, 2008
Although he was proficient at a number of wind instruments, Colin Cooper is best remembered as the lead singer and saxophonist for UK blues rock band, Climax Blues Band. Often included in lists of “one hit wonders,” Climax Blues Band had a big one with their 1976 release, “Couldn’t Get It Right.” The single landed in the Top 10 of the British singles charts and later, #3 on the US pop charts. It continues to receive significant airplay on U.S. classic rock stations to this day. Cooper died of cancer at the age of 68.
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Col was simply an excellent bloke. I knew him from schooldays and our first job – a grinding wheel factory. Needless to say, we moved on. I saw him a few times on the Climax several tours of the US in the seventies, and it was each time just a couple of old mates meeting up. I write notes as this with no little sadness, but it is also a celebratory gesture. He said to me a couple of years ago, when I asked him what he was up to, that he was just still playing the music that he loved. Just! His passing has hit me hard, as it has all those who listened to the music, and those privileged to have known him, and I hope that his family, Carol and Abbie and Ben, can be comforted that the heavenly choir now has one hell of a bluesman. Rock in Peace, Col. Many people will miss you, and cannot forget you.
I saw Colin perform many times over the years, in various bands, and duets,
and the Climax Blues Band performed at Cropredy a few years ago.
Colin was an extremely talented musucian, possessed a uniquely beautiful
voice, and above all that, was one of the most modest and sincere men I have
ever come across.
If after a show, I saw him in the bar, or chatting to his band mates, I
would say something like ‘Nice one Colin’. It never ceased to amaze me that
he would look genuinely astonished, as if he hadn’t done anything that
special, and didn’t deserve any thanks or praise for doing something he
obviously loved.
A lovely, lovely guy. He will be sadly missed.