2010 Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P.

Subject: Graham Cooper R.I.P
From: GUEST,harvey andrews
Date: 29 May 10 - 05:58 AM

My dear friend and writing partner Graham Cooper died this morning after a long illness. We did our last re-union gig together on March 20th on the Wirral. In the early 70's we did 300 gigs in 3 years, opening for the Kinks, touring with Focus, following Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel at the Reading Festival, appearing before the heads of Europe with Juliette Greco and sharing bills with Ritchie Havens, Champion Jack Dupree, Steve Goodman, John Prine, and many others. Graham's biggest moment I know was when Tom Paxton introduced us at our first solo concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
He was a consummate musician, a gentle man of great strength, and I know a lot of Mudcatters will be remembering good times, great songs and much laughter.
Recently Graham had been visiting America and making new friends in the musical world over there.
He will be missed by many, especially by Maggie who will remain in the Algarve.

Subject: RE: Graham Cooper R.I.P
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 29 May 10 - 06:53 AM

Very sorry to hear this. Too many are passing these days. The last time I saw Graham was at Judy Hancock's funeral.
Ray

Subject: RE: Graham Cooper R.I.P
From: GUEST,Westhoughton Folk Club
Date: 29 May 10 - 07:04 AM

Really sorry to hear this. We have many happy memories of Graham performing at the club. A good friend & a real gentleman.

Pat, Pat & All many friends.

Subject: RE: Graham Cooper R.I.P
From: GUEST
Date: 29 May 10 - 07:32 AM

So sorry. He will be missed - particularly by Rosie (Hardman), who will be devastated.

I, too, last saw him at Judy's funeral.

Subject: Graham Cooper
From: GUEST
Date: 29 May 10 - 11:43 AM

Graham Cooper ex The Lonesome Travellers and much much more died yesterday.
Another very sad day.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 29 May 10 - 11:58 AM

That wouldn't be "the" Pat and Pat would it? If so, whatever happened to Geoff Walt?

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P
From: Cusco
Date: 29 May 10 - 12:03 PM

A superb guitarist. He ran a bookshop in Hyde for a while. Only today as my wife and I walked up into the town we were naming the old shop uses and his was one we mentioned.

I last saw him at the Station in Ashton - he was excellent.

He was also a golfer.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 29 May 10 - 12:08 PM

RIP Graham. Only saw him a few months ago at his annual visit to Swinton. He was in fine spirits. Obviously suffering from the effects of the illness but, as ever, laughing it off! Deepest sympathies to his family and multitude of friends all over the world.

Dave

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Westhoughton
Date: 29 May 10 - 01:11 PM

Yes. We are definitely Pat & Pat. Last time I saw Geoff walt he was running an hotel in Bude but that was quite a long time ago.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,guest - Jim Younger
Date: 29 May 10 - 01:22 PM

Sorry to hear of Graham's passing. He was a fine singer and guitarist, solo and with others, and a very friendly chap too. I remember how encouraging he was to me when I was a 'raw recruit'.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 30 May 10 - 07:58 AM

Hi Pat & Pat - you might remember me twiddling the knobs at the back. Yes, Geoff and his wife opened a restaurant in Bude but that was 30 years ago. He'd be into his 70's now.

Just so this post stays on topic, the last time I actually heard Graham play was a gig we did with him and the late Pete Sayers - who seldom ever gets a mention these days.

Ray

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: open mike
Date: 30 May 10 - 11:57 AM

HIs brother Michael has posted this on you tube..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBKvdQmkfeg

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: open mike
Date: 30 May 10 - 02:01 PM

Here is Michael's reply to my you tube message (i tried to put a link to this forum discussion on the you tube message, but got an error warning when i tried, so not sure if he can access this site from the
info i provided.

Hello I am Graham's brother Michael and both his wife Maggie and I very much appreciate your kind words. He had not been well for several months and underwent major surgery to improve his condition. Although the operation was a success he finally passed away peacefully on Saturday morning from Renal failure.I am traveling to Portugal tomorrow to be with his and will pass on your kind thoughts. Michael Cooper

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Rosie Hardman
Date: 30 May 10 - 02:10 PM

Although I have known about Graham's battle with this dreadful disease for several years, the shock of hearing that he too has finally been taken by it is devastating.

I was too ill myself to go and see Graham on his recent tour and knowing now that it means I'll never have a chance to say goodbye is so painful.

Graham was the main catalyst for my getting back on stage after so many years of retirement. I know few other people who could have made me even think about it.... I'm so glad that I did, because we had such fun doing those four gigs and it put me back in touch with so many people. But I know I'm not the only artist to owe him a debt of gratitude.

To say Graham will be missed is putting it mildly. RIP Graham - we all loved ya.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Steve Barker
Date: 31 May 10 - 04:55 AM

I was one of the lucky ones who saw Graham with Harvey at their last gig together at Brian Lupton's Club night on the Wirral in March 2010.

I'd seen Graham and Harvey together back in the 70's and I'm sure like a lot of folks still have the black vinyl. Although I'd booked Graham way back when I didn't know him personally and I am grateful for the few minutes chat we had in March, a kind gentle man who was a fighter,a fine musician and composer.

My deepest condolences to his wife Maggie and his family and my greatest thanks to Graham for the music.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Guest -Anne and Alan
Date: 31 May 10 - 05:05 AM

A great singer song writer and we were fortunate to see one of his last gigs at Brian Lupton's club on the Wirral.
Our deepest condolences go to his wife and family
Anne and Alan Jones

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Shelagh Doyle & Norman Castle
Date: 31 May 10 - 10:48 PM

So sad to hear of the loss of another old friend. Fond memories of Graham will live on in all who knew him - a real gentleman with a wealth of talent. To know him was to love him - heartfelt condolences to his wife Maggie and brother Michael.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: paula t
Date: 01 Jun 10 - 08:22 AM

Very sad news.

We had the pleasure of meeting Graham once, many years ago when we did a set at a concert at Harvey's village hall. He was reassuring and very supportive of two rather young and nervous musicians.
A superb musician and a lovely man.

Paula and Stuart Tindall

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Gary Nye
Date: 01 Jun 10 - 08:24 AM

I heard, sadly, of Graham's death at Harvey's concert in Hitchin on Sunday. Harvey touchingly sang a couple of songs they had recorded together, and fittingly embraced the audience to join in with the Otter Song as the encore, telling the story of how it was written for Harvey's young sun in a layby near Oxford, and how Graham and he had to perform it to a local policeman, who had enquired what was going on!

R.I.P Graham.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Mike and Suzanne Kaufman
Date: 01 Jun 10 - 09:39 AM

It was a privilege to count Graham as a friend. We didn't know him long, just a few years, but he was a warm, intelligent, caring human being who actually learned from the lessons of his life.

We will miss him, and I suspect there will be many stories told for many years.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Brian Lupton
Date: 01 Jun 10 - 01:56 PM

Condolences to his family and friends.
So thankful I had the idea for having the great reunion concert of Harvey and Graham at my club in March.
Graham looked a bit frail but showed non of it in his performance that night. A truly great last performance by them both.
God bless Graham.
Brian and Jan xxxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Sarah
Date: 01 Jun 10 - 03:42 PM

Graham Cooper was many things to many people
To me... he was just my dad
My first ... my last... my only
I Love you and will miss you forever dad xxxxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: skipy
Date: 01 Jun 10 - 04:58 PM

RIP, Condolences to his family and friends.
Skipy

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Guy
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 04:06 AM

Such very sad news. I always love meeting up with Graham in Tennessee at the annual Steve Kaufman Acoustic Kamp & was so looking forward to seeing him again there later this month.
I will always treasure the memory of his performance on stage a couple of years ago at Kamp of Katy Moffatt's "This heart stops...." & this news makes it so poignant.
A lovely man who will be missed by many.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Dr Price, Cookie-less
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 04:43 AM

Condolences to you, Harvey and Sarah.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 05:51 AM

Very sad news indeed. Sincere condolences to his family and friends, esp. Sarah and Harvey.

I once had the privilege of MCing the Lonesome Travellers at the Guild.

Rest in peace, old buddy - you were one of the best.

Erica and Bryn Pugh.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Stephen
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 06:03 AM

Tragic news. Graham was a talented musician who was always willing to share his gift with anyone who came his way, irrespective of their level. That says a lot about the man.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: MikeL2
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 09:15 AM

Hi

May I add my heartfelt condolences at this sad news.

I saw Graham many times in "the good old days".

I always enjoyed his performances and his wit and humour.

in sorrow

MikeL2

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: cooperman
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 09:45 AM

I saw Graham recently and really enjoyed his music. He spent some time explaining his guitar techniques to me which helped me with mine. I would be proud (but unlikely ever) to leave such a great legacy of music and goodwill as Graham obviously did. God bless and RIP. Steve Cooper (no relation)

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Dave and Linda Green
Date: 03 Jun 10 - 03:52 AM

We found a good friend in you Graham and will miss you when ever we are in Portugal. Had some grat times at the villa just round the corner from your house. rest in peace friend.
so sorry maggie to hear the news.
love Dave & Linda

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Colin Henderson
Date: 03 Jun 10 - 04:01 AM

Graham was a fine musician, songwriter and singer. But most of all he was a decent, charming man. I first met Graham in the 1970’s when he was a regular artist at the Black Horse Folk Club in West Kirby on the Wirral. As an aspiring songwriter I was always keen to learn the foundations of the craft and Graham was always happy to oblige. In later years he continued to encourage my efforts and paid me the ultimate honour of including one of my songs in his set. I was always going to visit him in Portugal, but never did. And I will always regret missing his last concert on the Wirral with his friend Harvey Andrews - His song ‘Mindful Goodbyes’ has an obvious poignancy now. Graham had that knack of making it feel like you’d been talking only last week, even if a few years had gone by since you last spoke. Like many people here, in Portugal and among his new friends in the USA, I’ll miss you

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Woodsie
Date: 03 Jun 10 - 04:42 AM

I met Graham a couple of years ago when he stayed with my mate Brian Bruce (also sadly passed on) he was performing at Orpington Folk Club. A really nice bloke and entertaing performer.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Roger Knowles
Date: 03 Jun 10 - 03:20 PM

Did a CSE trip to Belize with Harvey & Graham back in 1975. Only met him the one tour, but he was a really nice man. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Roger

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Hector Gilchrist
Date: 04 Jun 10 - 08:13 AM

Fondly remembered from my Cheshire days.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Kathy and Joey Williams (West Kirby)
Date: 06 Jun 10 - 04:25 PM

So Sorry to hear of Graham's passing - we have so many happy memories of his solo gigs and with Harvey.   Condolences to all his family and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Jonathan & Caroline Duckworth
Date: 06 Jun 10 - 04:40 PM

We knew Graham for just over 25 years. Lots of lovely meals and weekends in Hyde, including a very memorable train trip for a meal out. I forget where, that wasn't important - it was Graham dressed in a DJ on the platform with a fold-up table and champagne for us dinner guests that was the memorable thing. He'd blagged permission from the rail staff!

I played golf with him at Denton and also on holidays. Holidays with Maggie and Graham in Norfolk and then southern Portugal, which we introduced them to, leading them to buy the timeshare and then move out there. We'd meet up around Easter time, visiting local restaurants and benefiting from Graham and Maggie's love of people - always lots of chat with the restaurant owners etc. This year we saw him play with the band on 30th March, and we last saw him on Easter Sunday. Weighed down and tired from his illness, but still fighting and still staunchly optimistic.

Sorely missed. So happy to have had him as a friend.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Fiona Simpson
Date: 07 Jun 10 - 05:56 AM

I was lucky enough to work with Graham for about a year after my time with Therapy. He was a wonderful musician , a charming man and a delightful friend. I couldn't imagine that a time would come when I would never see him again....

Deepest condolences to Maggie, Michael and family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Dennis Smith
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 12:46 PM

I had the pleasure of meeting Graham during one of his many tours to Germany in 1983 and have remained in contact as best I could since. He was a wonderfuil person and a great friend who will be sorely missed. My condolences to Maggie, who I have never meet but spoken to many times during the 80's and 90's when trying to organise gigs and tours. I an grateful that I managed to see him on the Wirral for his last appearance in the UK.

He will remain ever in our thoughts amd his music will aleays be played whereever I go.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,rob mcadam
Date: 10 Oct 10 - 03:37 PM

The first time I saw Graham was in the 1970's with Harvey Andrews in the 2 Plus 1 folk club in Liverpool he immediately struck me as a great musician and singer and over the years he became a great friend. I tried to see him as often as I could when he returned to the UK and last saw him in Wallasey on what turned out to be his last visit.I'm so glad I went.

Graham,I'll remember you with great fondness and will continue to enjoy your music which will be your lasting legacy to many,many people.RIP mate.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Nick Bewley
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 05:09 PM

Graham took over from me when I left The Lonesome Travellers in 1970 and we last played together at the Peasmouldia 25th year celebration club night. A great talent and more than that, a really nice bloke. He will be much missed and my condolences to his family. He left too soon.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: danensis
Date: 01 Jan 11 - 07:36 AM

News travels slowly in this part of the world, and will be even slower now Folkwaves has gone. I only just found out about Graham's death from reading the comments on YouTube.

One of the things I really like about the folk scene, is that there is a group of performers - I won't name names, but they know who they are - who probably only see us once a year or so, but treat us like long-lost friends, and even remember details about us, so you know its not a just a front. Graham was like that, my wife (girlfriend in the early 70's) and I met him several times, both pre- and post Harvey, and were always impressed with his performance. Another sad loss for the folk world.

John

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jun 12 - 02:30 PM

Debie
Today I was singing songs from a man I knew almost forty years ago,
I was googling for words of songs I loved going back to when I was a young girl. My parents had the pub in westhoughton where Graham used to play (westhoughton folk club ) I always wanted to collect the glasses because I adored his music. I still lisen 40 years later, he was the best. To his wife, be proud that he touched so many generations.

Subject: RE: Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P (29 May 2010)
From: GUEST,Carol H
Date: 21 Jun 14 - 07:18 AM

I was just listening to the Lonesome Travellers this morning on this lovely sunny day and thinking of Graham, Doug and Steve. I grew up going to see them at the Peasmouldia, from a young age. Much missed... but I was just thinking of a paraphrased quote from a book I read recently - we are all just a multitude of drops that make up a big ocean. Some make bigger ripples than others.

Subject: RE: 2010 Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P.
From: GUEST,Karon Aldridge née Hall
Date: 24 Jun 21 - 08:02 AM

I remember Graham and Doug Porter staying at our house following them playing at the Hameln Folk Club which my dad ran. He was a wonderful kind man and very encouraging to my sister and I who sang together at the club. My favourite song was Silver Coin which I still sing to this day. Bless you Graham and may your spirit sour high. Heaven is more melodious now. Heart felt condolences to Maggie and his family and friends.

Subject: RE: 2010 Obit: Graham Cooper R.I.P.
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 24 Jun 21 - 08:30 AM

Is it really over 11 years. I don’t think many people know this but Graham used to run a book shop in the same row as Harold Shipman’s surgery!