Roogie Doogie - PREACHER SMITH & THE DEACONS
Leroy Cooper -- the great big guy playing sax with the Deacons August 31, 1928 - January 15, 2009 RIP Leroy's extensive career as a saxophone player started when he was a child, but eventually brought him into Ray Charles' band as baritone sax player. It wasn't long before Leroy Cooper was the bandleader for the band/orchestra that toured the world with Ray Charles. His studio work includes recording with Joe Cocker, Dr. John, Wayne Newton, Cher, and many other legendary performers. A childhood friend of David "Fathead" Newman's, Leroy also remains close to Ernest Vantrease, aka "The Deacon" and keyboard player for Ray Charles for 30 years. Vantrease is now the keyboard player for B.B. King. Leroy's musical talents bridged the gap between big band, blues, jazz, Latin and "society bands." Leroy Cooper has played in some of the most unlikely places as well as the most well-known venues in the world. From 1984-2004 Leroy played jazz, Ethn...