Shake Russell & Dana Cooper

Shake Russell/Dana Cooper Band -

In the late 70's, Shake Russell formed a band in Houston and was joined by hometown friend & fellow Songwriter/Musician Dana Cooper.  Based in Houston, the duo enjoyed immense success and was given extensive airplay on local radio stations.  Many of the melodies on "Songs On The Radio" album were recorded at Houston's KLOL.  

For over a decade, The Shake Russell/Dana Cooper band garnered a large following in Texas as well as appearing on "Austin City Limits". Although their respective careers have since diverged to different regions of the country, each of them has continued to nurture their talent and maintain a successful, creative music career. 

Dana Cooper -

In the 1970's,  Cooper landed a record deal with Elektra Records and released his acclaimed self-tiled debut album in 1972.  Backed by renowned LA studio musicians "The Section", including Leeland Sklar & Russ Kunkel, the album showcased Cooper's lyrical depth & virtuoso guitar playing.  Through the 80's & 90's, he built his reputation on the club circuit while also collaborating with artists like Lyle Lovett, Kim Carnes, Susan Werner, Kim Richey, Hal Ketchum & more.  Central to Cooper's unique artistry is his ability to connect with audiences through his authentic stories and warm stage presence. 

Over his 50+ year career, Cooper has amassed a catalog of over 30 albums and continues to tour actively.  His latest Release "The Ghost of Tucumcari" has garnered much critical acclaim and was voted #1 Album of 2024 on "Americana Highways" Readers Poll.  Several established artists lent their voices to this album, including Lyle Lovett, Hayes Carll, Susan Gibson, Shake Russell, Darden Smith, Mando Saenz & Libby Koch.

"Few artists can claim to make music for 50 years and still do so with the same eagerness and enthusiasm that marked their initial efforts."  Lee Zimmerman, American Songwriter

"Dana has a poet's eye for beauty and detail, a blues man's soul & a songbird's gift.  He is remarkable."  Hayes Carll - Songwriter/Musician

Shake Russell -

For more than 50 years, Texas singer-songwriter Shake Russell, has been entertaining audiences throughout the region and all over the United States with his unique Americana style of folk rock.  Weaving sophisticated harmonies through his songs and drawing from various genres, Shake created a style of folk-rock that is uniquely his own.

Shake has released 30+ albums in his career and more to come.  Shake’s recent releases, “Chasing the Song” & "Gold To Me", showcase a delightful array of original compositions that beautifully show the extraordinary talents of this singer-songwriter.  To fully appreciate and comprehend the magnitude of Shake’s contributions to music, one need only listen to his life’s work.  From his 1978 album “Songs on the Radio” to his latest  “Gold To Me”, Shake’s music is a testament to the reasons why he is so widely celebrated as a Texas Music Legend!

"Shake Russell, like Mark Twain or Guy Clark, has the gift of making us think and feel deeply at the same time.  He's a prolific pioneer and a true American Treasure."  Chad Watson - Songwriter/Musician

"Shake's music walks right up to you, says howdy, and gives you a big hug.  Nobody writes a better love song."  Bruce Bryant - Ghost Ranch Films