Boh Cooper - Keyboardist

Boh Cooper - Biography
Keyboardist, songwriter, composer, arranger
Age: 49 (June 21, 1963)
Birthplace: Pensacola, FL
Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL

In 1986 I came to Nashville to attend Belmont College, which proved to be the best move of my life. The opportunities for music here are immense, and I have been blessed to be part of such a wonderful industry.
Born to Thom Cooper, Jr. a Baptist music minister/ English teacher, and Helen Simpson Cooper, a registered nurse/homemaker, I grew up surrounded by the love of music. My dad brought home our first piano when I was eight years old. I immediately fell in love with it, and he began teaching me how to play. I studied through high school and college with various teachers, and my aspiration to perform led me to various jobs working with many wonderful artists such as:

The Sharrett Bros.- 1982-1986:
	I moved from St. Pete to Atlanta in my Volkswagen Beetle and played keyboard, wrote songs and sang vocals with this Word Records CCM trio. We performed in churches, colleges and auditoriums all over the States and in the Philippines. It was my first job as a travelling musician and one of the best times of my life.

Kim Boyce (Christian Recording Artist, Word Music, 1984 Miss Florida)- 1986-1988:
	I appeared on her albums, TV interviews, and talk show appearances; she recorded several of our co-written songs, and I toured a total of 4 albums with Kim all over America. She currently is living in Branson MO, with her husband, Gary Koreiba, and their two boys.

The Imperials- 1988-1991:
	Played keyboards, wrote songs and toured 3 albums with this Grammy award winning gospel group, who used to sing backup for Elvis Presley, in venues all over America, Canada, and in Germany, Scandinavia and South Africa.

Kim Carnes-Summer 1995, and on and off through the present
	Yes, I actually did perform "Betty Davis Eyes" with this no#1 recording artist at Summer Lights in Nashville TN, and a few other stateside concerts, including a performance with Michael W. Smith and the Nashville Symphony. I still continue performing with Kim at least once a year. She is an elegant and gracious lady.

Michael W. Smith- 1991-1992(Go West Tour):
	When I first moved to Nashville in 1986 I saw him perform live on his "Big Picture Tour" at Tennesee Performing Arts Center. I said to myself, " I have got to be part of something like THAT"! Little did I know I would be touring with him five years later! I played keyboards and sang backing vocals for this Grammy winner, supporting his top ten single "Place in this World". The six month tour took me to large venues all over the states and Canada such as The Palace in Detroit, Dodger Stadium, Sam Houston Arena, The Fox in Atlanta, Lakeland Civic Center, etc. The highlight of the tour was an appearance on the Tonight Show just before Johnny Carson retired. (Yes, I got my picture taken with Jay Leno!) Michael remains my favorite Christian artist to this day, as well as one of my favorite keyboardists.

Michael English- (The Hope Tour) 1994 to 1999:
	I played keyboards, and sang backup vocals for this amazingly talented and controversial Grammy award winner. I also played all keyboards on his recording entitled "Gospel", which has been nominated by the Doves for best inspirational recording 1999. I co-wrote a song (How Grace Feels) and played piano on his last album produced by Brown Bannister called "Heaven to Earth". I have never performed with a more passionate, anointed singer.

Steven Curtis Chapman- 1994-1995 (Heaven in the Real World Tour):
	I played percussion and keys and sang backup vocals supporting this No#1 CCM recording icon on his "Heaven in the Real World" Tour. We played in venues across America and Canada, and in South Africa. His love for Christ and the church and his family still inspires my heart.

Todd Rundgren- August 1997 (The Individualist Tour):
	I performed keyboards and vocals with opening act Doug Powell and the Tinmen in 17 cities across the country. I have been a fan of Rundgren's music all my life, and it was fascinating to meet this man and get to know him personally.

Rascal Flatts- January 2000-August 23, 2003:
	I played keyboards, acoustic guitar and sang backing vocals with Jay, Gary and Joe Don from the beginning days when they played in the parking lot of Kmart, all the way to arena tours with Brooks and Dunn, JoDee Messina, and Toby Keith. They were named 2003 Vocal Group of the Year by the CMA, the ACM, and ASCAP, received the ACM's "Song of the Year" award for "I'm Movin' On," and garnered the fan-voted CMT Flameworthy Favorite Group or Duo Award for their "These Days" video, which I was part of. The trio's second CD, Melt, which went platinum just five weeks after its release and is now certified double platinum, has thus far produced four smash singles -- "These Days," "Love You Out Loud," "I Melt" and "Mayberry," which has become their fastest-climbing single ever. You can see and hear me on their 2003 CMT Live Concert Special, "Rascal Flatts: Melt on the Beach," and their Rascal Flatts Live DVD, which is already double-platinum. On the CD, "Feels Like Today"...that's me playing keyboards on the hidden tracks! Shout out to that band...ya'll have become stars!! Thanks for everything!

Peter Cetera- October 2006-present:

Currently, I am playing piano for the legendary Peter Cetera. Peter used to be lead singer of the group, "Chicago". He is now doing shows across the US with a small acoustic rhythm section and 42 piece symphony, as well as some shows with a full rythm section. I consider it quite an honor to perform with Mr. Cetera as I have been such a fan of his singing and writing for most of my musical life.

Loverboy- January 2008-August 2008:

I had the privelege of performing full time with 80's rock band, Loverboy, touring Canada and US; an awesome bunch of musicians and super people as well. What a blast. Check them out on Loverboyband.com. I have never been treated more kindly and respectfully by any band ever. They really made me feel welcome and a part of the family. I will never forget such a wonderful experience.

David Foster- September 2009-present

David Foster is my number one musical hero. He is probably the greatest arranger and composer ever, and his music has been the backdrop of my life. Somehow by the miraculous hand of God I found myself playing keyboards supporting David Foster along with some of the finest musicians and artists in the world. Through David, I have worked with artists like Seal, Donna Summer, Chaka Khan, Michael Bolton, Gary Wright, Natalie Cole, Kenny Loggins, Lionel Ritchie, Babyface, Katherine McPhee, and Andrea Bocelli to name a few! Actually, it was Peter Cetera who told David about me. I auditioned for him at his studio in Santa Monica. After I played his piano David said, "I don't like guys who play better than me! You're out"! He hired me on and I am ever grateful to Peter! I am extremely excited and blessed. It is truly a dream come true. In December 2011, I had the opportunity to program and arrange for David on Jackie Evancho's debut CD on sale now at Target! There are several more dates to come, so keep watch out on my current events page.

College:
	University of Central Fla. Major- Applied Music (Fall 1981) St. Petersburg Jr. College, Fla. Major-Applied Music (Spring 1982) Belmont College, Nashville TN. Major- Commercial Music/Piano (1986-1988) Belmont University, Nashville, TN. Major- Piano Performance Classical (2003-2004)
	Voices from AFAR: I was involved with a group called "Voices from AFAR", dedicated to helping raise money and awareness for Dr. Patrick Carne's and the American Foundation for Addiction Research. AFAR is researching the causes and patterns of various addictions, which are our number one social problem in the US today. Back in 2000, Voices from AFAR created an album of original songs, outlining the journey of recovery from addiction, shame, abuse and codependncy. It can be purchased on our website: www.voicesfromafar.com. We are presently creating some new products with Dr. Carnes that will include an acoustic recording of our music entitled "Saving Katy", as well as a 4 part set of guided imagery CD's entitled "Spiritual Skillset". You can also visit us at www.myspace.com/voicesfromafar
	My hobbies include jogging, scuba diving, reading, drawing animation, graphic arts, going to the beach, composing and arranging music. I am also an avid fan of the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles Schultz. Especially Snoopy, who is my icon of how I'd like life to be. I always felt like Charlie Brown as I grew up...wishy washy and boring with low self esteem. But God never intended for anyone to live with that sort of self picture. He loves us deeply and wants us all to know the truth of our awesome "inner Snoopy"! smile. Thank you, and please visit again soon!