NNB News

By Jake Keglor

St. Petersburg — Nestled among the many bars and clubs of downtown St. Petersburg rests a spectacle of jazz, well known by lovers of the original American music, but tucked away and drowned out by the hustle of Central Avenue.

The music of jazz legend and St. Petersburg native Buster Cooper jams the back bar of JoJo’s in Citta every Friday and Saturday night.

Cooper, 80, has played his trombone and shared the stage with some of the biggest names in jazz and big band, including Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Josephine Baker, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.

“You name them, I’ve probably played with them,” the lively Copper said from behind large glasses with smoky lenses. “I loved every second and still do.”

Cooper became immersed in the jazz scene in the 1940s, following in his cousin George Cooper’s footsteps. Buster started his musical career playing drums for George’s 16-piece band.

Drums, however, were short lived for Buster.  His musical passion took-off in the direction of the trombone.  He traveled playing jazz throughout Florida and big cities in other states.  He also performed in areas across the Atlantic.  Cooper, a Gibbs High School graduate, was living his childhood dream.

“I remember plenty nights spent at the Manhattan Casino, watching the bands unload all of their fancy gear and play in front of great crowds,” Cooper said. “I knew I wanted to do that; I wanted to be in one of those bands.”

After playing in his cousin’s band, Cooper decided to move to Omaha, Neb. to play in a territory band with Nat Towles traveling throughout the Midwest.  The band also played gigs from Texas to Idaho.

“It was just too cold there. That was the first time I saw snow, and is where I bought my first overcoat,” Cooper said. “I missed home and moved back for a little bit.”

In 1953, Cooper was offered the chance he had been working for and moved to New York City.  He joined the band of Lionel Hampton for his first European tour.

“We tore Europe apart!” Cooper said. “The people absolutely loved us and we had to be escorted by guards in and out of the clubs because the fans were so excited.”

“Hamp was a showman, too, climbing on the drum sets and pianos,” Cooper said. “Fans just loved him and us. Those nights were unforgettable.”

Playing alongside Cooper in Hampton’s all-star band on the trumpet was award-winning music producer Quincey Jones.  Renowned big-band trombonist Carl Fontana also played in the popular band.

After his time with Hampton, Cooper moved about until landing a gig with Josephine Baker at the Olympia Theater in Paris.  He performed with Baker for more than two years.

Cooper traveled back to New York City once the job in Paris ended.  In the late 1950s, he joined the house band at the Apollo Theater.

Cooper, while playing at the Apollo, received a call from Duke Ellington.

“He wanted me to come and play fulltime in his orchestra,” Cooper said. “I said no and people thought I was crazy, but I had a good thing going at the Apollo.”

Cooper eventually surrendered to Ellington and began playing on weekends in his orchestra in Cherry Hill, N.J.

Life after Ellington lead Cooper down many paths.  In 1973, he began to do mainly studio work in Los Angeles, where he recorded tracks for television and film, most notably the theme for Murder, She Wrote.

“I loved the studio work, but it wasn’t the same as playing live gigs,” Cooper said. “I played live as often as I could for fun when I lived in L.A.”

His later live gigs included extended stays in the orchestras of such legendary voices as Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.

After almost two decades in Los Angeles, Cooper came home to St. Petersburg, where he landed a gig at The Garden Restaurant.  He played at The Garden for the next 15 years, until December 2009.

“The Garden was sold and I committed to JoJo’s after that, not knowing what was going to happen,” Cooper said. “This is the new up-and-coming spot though … I know it will be booming in no time.”

The man whose history speaks volumes for his skill and dedication to his art plays at JoJo’s with his dedicated drummer John Jenkins and bass player Michael Ross.

Guest performers often play with the Buster Cooper Trio.  One night, 23 year old trombone player David Smith joined in, and played with such skill and passion that Cooper stayed on his 80-year-old toes.

“I see a lot in David,” Cooper said. “He doesn’t need the fancy equipment and pricey horn, because that ain’t what makes you good.”

Cooper leaned back in his chair and pointed to his chest.

“It’s all right here,” Cooper said.  “My heart keeps me going and doing what I’m doing.  I’ll do it as long as I’m alive. … I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Neighborhood News Bureau is a working newsroom staffed by USF St. Petersburg undergraduate and graduate journalism students. To report your community news, contact us at 727-327-2129 or email lclevela@mail.usf.edu.