(from a friend’s point of view)
You’re having a dinner party, and you would like to have an eclectic mix of guests to keep the conversation lively. You are thinking about inviting the following: a songwriter, a marathon runner, an author, a concert promoter, a skydiver, a charity fundraiser, a record company executive, an editor, a Harley rider, a photographer, a music publisher, and a food pantry volunteer.
You eventually decide to invite just one person: Rick Cooper. With that one guest, though, you will still have a songwriter, a marathon runner, an author, a concert promoter, a skydiver, a charity fundraiser, a record company executive, an editor, a Harley rider, a photoographer, a music publisher, and a food pantry volunteer. The man has worn many hats, even to dinner.
Still, you know there’s a good chance that Rick won’t show up. And of course, even if he does, he won’t eat anything...
SONGWRITER
Rick Cooper has written the lyrics to several hundred songs. His songs have been recorded by McGuffey Lane, John Schwab, J. D. Blackfoot, Sirens, The Dollyrots, Jeff Allen, Bobby Ross, Bill Boggess of The Bellows, and others. Some rather famous people (in addition to those already mentioned) have played on recordings of Rick’s songs, including multi-Grammy winners Bela Fleck and Mark O’Connor. Kenny Aronoff, former and long-time drummer for John Mellencamp, has played on six of Rick’s songs. Corky Laing of Mountain (their big hit was “Mississippi Queen”) played drums on one of Rick’s songs. Stella Parton (yes, Dolly’s lovely and equally talented sister) sang background vocals on two of Rick’s songs. Mike Nugen and Jeff Ciampa played on a number of his songs. The list of talented players is both long and impressive.
RUNNER
Rick has completed 32 marathons (26.2 mile races), including the Boston Marathon (2x). See the “Running” tab for details. He ran his first marathon at age 37 and completed the Goofy Challenge at Disney at age 59. After serious Achilles tendon surgery in 2025 he is back to running almost every day, but has settled for 5K races instead of marathons.
AUTHOR
Rick Cooper and Mark Davis coauthored the 1990 suspense novel “Family Reunion” under the pseudonym “Nicholas Sarazen.” "Family Reunion" was published by Pinnacle. He recently published his second suspense novel, "Stay Downwind." He has also written award-winning short stories and poems.
CONCERT PROMOTER
Rick promoted several all-original, all-acoustic concerts by John Schwab. Net proceeds from the concerts were donated to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training program.
SKYDIVER
Rick has jumped from a perfectly good airplane on seven occasions. The last four jumps were to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training program.
CHARITY FUNDRAISER
By running marathons, promoting concerts, releasing a CD, skydiving, and playing a one-on-one basketball game against an All-Ohio member of the DeSales High School girls’ basketball team, Rick raised over $28,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training program.
FOOD PANTRY VOLUNTEER
Rick helped open the Lake Cares Food Pantry in Mount Dora and continued to volunteer for several years at its original location.
RECORD COMPANY EXECUTIVE
Rick Cooper was the Director of Publishing/International for Sisapa Record Co., Inc., a record label that was home to John Schwab, J. D. Blackfoot, The Marshall Tucker Band, Crazy Horse (Neil Young’s band), Paul Cotton of Poco fame, and others. Rick later established his own record label and released a CD titled “Just A Few Words Between Friends (Featuring The Lyrics Of Rick Cooper)” in 2001. He recently produced a double album of his songs as recorded by The Dora Canal Jam Band (details coming soon, but until then, click on the COOPER RADIO tab).
EDITOR
Rick edits fiction and non-fiction books.
HARLEY RIDER
Coop's Harley was totaled in 2011, and he could have been totaled as well. Fortunately, just two fractures in his pelvis, a banged-up shoulder, and bruises from head to toe. Linda said no more Harleys, so since 2012 he gets around on his Honda PCX150 scooter.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Rick has taken some amazing wildlife photos while kayaking the Dora Canal, including close-up shots of gators and snakes.
MUSIC PUBLISHER
Rick Cooper and George Jeffrey formed CoJef Music in 1976. Rick later started his own publishing company, Waterbury Road Music, which is still active today.