
I've been trying to get this article together for a few months. Ok, so longer than that. My dilemma has been trying to reach young southern gospel singers at a time when both I and they are available. Let me tell you this is a hard task, one in which I still have not been able to complete. SO, in spite of that-I was able to contact the parents of two young southern gospel artists and asked for a little bit of information about their children. Since I could not contact BOTH of these singers and it is Mother's day soon, I went ahead and decided to let their MOM tell you about them.
Here is the story of Steven and Chris Cooper, 2 of 3 brothers who both found their destiny in singing southern gospel music.
About Steven and Chris: They have always been interested and involved in music. All 3 boys took piano and choir in elementary school, then on to Jr. High and senior high school choir. They were involved in the church choirs also.
Steven took band in jr. high and l l/2 years in senior high, then changed to choir in the 2nd semester of his llth year and has loved singing ever since. He continued choir and drama in college. I have always known he would do something in music. When he was only 2 years old he could here the band practicing (we live near the Co. High School.) and he would get so excited, I would have to walk him to where they were, to watch them. He would set in his room when he was 5 or 6 years old and sing so pretty, "Father Abraham had Seven Sons" and not miss a word. He has a memory like an elephant.
When he entered college, his professor got him in contact with a local group "The Capstone Quartet", and it has been none stop since.
He began attending the Quartet convention and has not missed a year in 7 years. He loves the 4-part harmony. He continues to sing with 'The Toney Brothers' and loves every minute of being on the road and singing to praise God.
Chris has always had an interest too, but didn't get serious until his Jr year in high school. He heard about a group in Columbus, Ms (The Heartmen Quartet) looking for a tenor, He auditioned, got the job, and has loved the quartet singing every since. The Heartmen won the group talent search contest at NQC. Quartet singing is in his blood now. He was more determined about singing full-time earlier than Steven, (however, Steven always had the dream). He got on the Internet looking for groups to audition for. That's when N'Harmony came along. He was with them 2 years. When they went Separate ways, he joined Won-by-One where he currently is now.
Growing up they played together as brothers do, however, there is 7 years difference in their ages, so Steven was always the one Chris looked up to. Chris was always the one who bothered Steven's stuff. Steven is a very neat person; everything has a place and is in it. So, he would know if Chris bothered his stuff and that could sometimes cause a conflict, if you know what I mean. I think the first song they sang together was at a boy's beauty walk. They sang "God Bless the U.S.A." at intermission.
Wade and I are so proud of all 3 boys. They are following their dreams and Gods plan for their lives right now. Our middle son is a Youth Minister. God has blessed them so much, with their talents and I think they are using that talent to further Gods plan and win souls for his kingdom. We pray they continue to follow Gods will for their lives.
Patty Cooper
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