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, Ethnic, Latin and funk with a band called Rhythm Release. Paul Stenzler, bandleader said that "Leroy never wasted a note. He could play anything." Leroy continued to play jazz in the Orlando area at the Steinway Piano Gallery in Altamonte Springs on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, starting at 6 PM. He also played at various other jazz venues. He went back to his blues roots and played with Orlando's Smokin' Torpedoes who were the local winners of the International Blues Competition. They went on to Memphis for the next step and made Orlando proud. Leroy's last regular gig was with the Josh Miller Blues Revue. Based in Brevard County, Josh had the ability to recognize the legendary talent and changed up the band's sets to spotlight Leroy. He played his last performance on January 10 at Harry's Cigar & Brew in Oviedo, Florida.
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