Rob Cooper

Robert Cooper was an American Texas blues pianist and songwriter. In 1934, he was the first of that Santa Fe Group to record, and is best known as one of Joe Pullum's piano accompanists. Cooper played on a number of tracks between 1934 and 1936, for recordings issued by Bluebird and Victor.

Little is documented of Cooper's life outside of his recording career.

Life and career One historian noted "Rob Cooper... a few years older than Hersal Thomas" This was a technically complex number, which allowed Cooper to utilise his many links to stride and ragtime piano playing. His usage of 'tens' in the left-hand, indicated him to be "a very accomplished piano player". The duo were assisted on these recordings by Chester Boone on trumpet and Melvin Martin on guitar.

Following this, Cooper's existence becomes uncertain. Guido van Rijn located an advertisement in the Chicago Defender dated March 16, 1946, regarding Marvin Cates and his Earls of Rhythm, featuring a Robert Cooper (piano, vocals); but it is not certain whether this was the same individual. Another source said simply "Rob Cooper disappeared after woman trouble..." No other details seem to exist.

"West Dallas Drag" and "West Dallas Drag No. 2" both appeared on the 1977 compilation album, The Piano Blues Vol. 8: Texas Seaport 1934-1937. Most of Cooper's recordings, including his piano solos, can be found on Joe Pullum : Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 1 (1934-35).

Legacy Bill Wyman chose "West Dallas Drag," as originally recorded by Cooper in San Antonio in 1934, as one of the tracks on the compilation album, Bill Wyman's Blues Odyssey (2002). Joe Pullum : Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 2 (1933-51) – (1995) – Document Personnel: Joe Pullum (vocals); Andy Boy (vocals, piano); Walter "Cowboy" Washington (vocals); Melvin Martin, Tiny Webb (guitar); Chester Boone (trumpet); Rob Cooper, Lloyd Glenn (piano); William K. "Billy" Hadnott (double bass); Bob Harvey (drums)