Intense grooves, strong rhythms, cohesive instrumentation - the IU Soul Revue exhibits the timeless sounds of R&B, soul, funk, and contemporary urban black popular music. Performances feature original compositions along with arrangements of works recorded by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Patti Labelle, Kelly Price, D’Angelo, Mary J. Blige, Eric Benet and more. Since 1971, the Revue has enjoyed its reputation as one of the finest collegiate popular music ensembles in America. The electric performances of the IU Soul Revue are delivered by its commanding male and female vocal ensemble, powerful horn line and outstanding rhythm section.
Several Soul Revue alumni have gone on to professional careers in the music industry. Crystal Taliefero, former backup singer for both Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, now with Billy Joel; Keith Mitchell and Kevon Edmonds of After Seven; recording artist Georgia Jones; and James Strong bassist and band leader for L.L Cool J are just a few.
"The IU Soul Revue is the best Motown clone that I have ever seen."
~ Thomas "Beans" Bowles, former musician and road manager for Motown Record Corporation, Detroit
The Soul Revue is available for public concerts, nightclubs, conventions, school and college programs, lecture-demonstrations, and other types of engagements.
Dr. Cooper is a two-time Emmy award nominee and holds a BA degree in music education from Bethune-Cookman University (BCU) as well as a MA in jazz studies and Ph.D in ethnomusicology both from Indiana University (IU). Along with his academic studies, Cooper’s expertise in arts and culture stems from decades of his participation during recordings and live performances as music director, guitarist, vocalist, composer and arranger for various national artists such as A Taste of Honey, Marietta Simpson, Angela Brown, Donnie McClurkin, Dionne Warwick, The Soulful Symphony, Walt Whittman and The Soul Children of Chicago, Kathy Taylor and Dorothy Norwood among others. He has transmitted his knowledge to diverse student bodies where he served on the music faculties of BCU, IU and Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI). He not only shares his expertise within academe, but also has become a sought after industry insider. This is evident in the fact that in 2012 Cooper was nominated for two Emmy awards for his work as talent and composer for the PBS documentaries, "Open Door: China In Indiana" and "Musical Threads: Expressions of a People." Dr. Cooper is also co-owner of Art Salad Productions, a company that develops and provides support for multicultural arts education within various community and academic settings.
