• GOVERNOR'S RACE: News & candidate info
• PET CORNER: Your home for news & PET IDOL
• DOWN ON THE FARM: News, videos and more
• SWINE FLU: News & info
• T&D DATATRACK: In-depth news and reports

BAMBERG, S.C. - The city of Bamberg is known for its relaxing air and charming scenery. Recreational opportunities like hunting, fishing and golf attract retirees and hometown folks alike. The countryside is abundant with wildlife, and the atmosphere in Bamberg can only be described as "Old South."

So it should come as no surprise that David Cooler, one of South Carolina's most talented performers and a self-proclaimed homegrown country boy, is a Bamberg native. A gifted musician, singer and songwriter, Cooler is making his formal debut in the music world with songs about love and life, Southern-style.

With the release of his latest CD, "Country to the Bone!" Cooler's musical style and talent have begun to attract the attention of some of the most recognized names in the music industry. His first CD, "Back to the Country," was released in 2004.

"Currently, I am working with Steven Wrench of Jacksonville, Fla., who formerly managed Lynyrd Skynyrd for 21 years," Cooler said. "We are in the beginning stages of a distribution deal. I never dreamed my music would create this kind of buzz."

• Video  CLICK HERE to watch a video interview with David Cooler  as he discusses his recent success and inspiration as a country music musician and song writer.

Since the release of "Country to the Bone!" music promoters are recognizing the performer whose music and rhythm flows abundantly from his soul. One of Cooler's songs, "Dog Huntin' Man," has even attracted the attention of a Georgia group.

"'Dog Huntin' Man' is a really fun song and is appealing to the Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation folks," Cooler said. "They have invited me to perform at their conventions. The GHFF stands up for dog hunters and is an organization I fully support, so that means I'll sing for them as long they'll have me."

His next performances with GHFF are March 15 at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds in Callahan, Fla., and April 25-27 at the Waycross fairgrounds in Waycross, Ga.

"Country to the Bone!" features 11 original Southern rock-country songs that showcase Cooler's talent. Cooler played all the musical instruments on the album, with the exception of the harmonica, and performed the harmony vocals.

"My brother, Howard Cooler, is a big blues fan," Cooler said. "He came in (and) added a special touch to the CD with his harmonica. James Griffith of Orangeburg, a former drummer, cowrote four of the 11 songs.

"Making this CD was a lot of fun, and I think people will recognize that the songs go a little deeper into country music than what everybody is listening to these days."

Cooler's musical journey began when his parents gave him an acoustic guitar when he was 13 years old. He taught himself to play it and quickly mastered other musical instruments, including the bass, drums and keyboard.

Cooler's versatile musical ability is well-known in the Orangeburg community, where he often lends his talents to worthy causes.

"David Cooler performed in concert at the (Orangeburg County) Fine Arts Center a few years ago, and it was evident that he is a very talented young man," said OCFAC executive director Beth Thomas. "At that time, he was virtually a one-man band, providing all of his own back-up music.

"However, last year, when David performed at Showcase Orangeburg, I learned what a fine musician he really is. And just as important, I realized what a really nice person he is. He was so accommodating as a member of the team that comprised Showcase Orangeburg and was willing to do whatever was necessary to ensure the success of the program. He was respectful of the other entertainers, showing appreciation and support for their talent. And what's great about David Cooler is that he's just having so much fun!"

Cooler's songs appeal to people of all ages who enjoy soulful, Southern rock music with a country rhythm-and-blues style. Cooler said his music is a form of self-expression and communication based on true-life experiences.

"The music and lyrics flow from within," he said. "Once a melody plays out in my head, the words come almost magically.

"I like to the write story lines of our lives and play them with a passion and purpose."

Songs that people can relate to are like memories set to music, and Cooler's latest CD covers topics like love and good times shared with family and friends.

"I think my music lets people know that I am just like them," he said. "The CD is actually selling itself, and I find this truly amazing."

Cooler said Carl Gooding of WDOG 93.5 FM in Allendale has

been instrumental in getting airplay for "Country to the Bone!"

"I can never thank him enough for promoting my music," Cooler said. "And, thanks to the efforts of Ronnie Gaskins of the GHFF, 'Country to the Bone!' is being played on four different radio stations in Georgia. Radio stations in a number of other states are now airing the CD, and many people who hear it on the radio are requesting copies."

Not only does Cooler's CD sound good, the handsome cover is a work of art by Bamberg native Cindy Kinard.

"I love working with David," Kinard said. "He has an abundance of talent, determined drive and charm. His lyrics tickle your funny bone, touch your heart and raise goose bumps on your arms. David's music takes us back to simpler times and good times spent with friends and family.

"He has a special down-home way of saying what we all are thinking."

Cooler said a big record deal would "put the icing on the cake" for him, but if that doesn't happen, he plans to keep on writing songs and performing at his favorite local venues, including Showcase Orangeburg, Arista, Rock's Pond Campground, Lazy B's, Millcreek Landing, Casa di Pasta, Kucker's Lounge, Chris's Bar and Grill and Fillin' Station.

"I feel honored to be able to share my music with people everywhere, and I'm grateful to those who are helping me along the way," he said. "Many people are offering their support, including my family and friends, my publisher, Cathy Lemmon of Twist of Lemon Music in Nashville, Tenn., the many store owners who carry my CDs, and the devoted fans who attend concerts. I can't thank Brab McCollum enough for allowing me to be a featured artist in 22 of the E-Z Shops statewide.

"I thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to do what I love best."

A slogan printed on the inside cover of Cooler's CD says, "Whatever happens, make sure you're enjoying yourself." Penned by Kinard, the words express the sentiments of David Cooler: the singer, musician and songwriter.

"David really enjoys performing," Kinard said. "It's just a matter of time before his extraordinary talent brings him to the attention of a large segment of the population and not just the locals that love him.

"'Country to the Bone!' is leading his way."

For more information about Cooler and his upcoming performances, call 803-245-3813 or visit www.myspace.com/davidcooler.

T&D Features Writer Sonja Gleaton can be reached by e-mail at sgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

“Dog Huntin’ Man”

Written by David Cooler

Verse I: Well what do you know it’s that time again, to meet at the clubhouse with all my friends

You don’t know what you’re missing, let me tell you why ...

My daddy started this club many years ago, with a lot of hard work he made it grow

Into a way of life just for you and me ...

He said I want you to know there are people out there, who try to stop you cause they don’t care

About the way we do things down here in the South

There ain’t nothing wrong with being raised this was, I don’t give a d—- what they say

Drop the tailgate show them what it’s all about ...

Chorus: Turn ’em loose let ’em run, it will only be a minute and the race is on

Once they hit that cypress pond, the dogs went to singing their sweet song

Wait jus’ a minute they’re coming my way, maybe this will be my lucky day

I wish everybody could understand a full-blooded Dog Huntin’ Man ...

Verse II: My little boy is only 6 years old, standing with me out here in the cold

He just would not have it any other way

He said ‘Daddy don’t you know that it won’t be long, I’ll be driving a truck of my own

With four big tires and a dog box in the back’

About that time on the radio, Mutt & Jeff saw a big buck cross the road,

Said look out fellows, cause here he comes

I turned around and looked at him, he looked up at me with a big old grin

He spun around this hat as he said ...

(Chorus)

Verse III: Rich man moved in from out of state, buying up property and putting up gates

And said I don’t want you or your dogs on my land

He said I’ve never hunted by running dogs, in fact it should be against the law

Cause all you needed was a corn pile and a stand

Early one morning we made a drive, the beagles took an eight-point across the line

And shots rang out like thunder through the air

Rich man came down the road doing 85, slammed on brakes with a power slide

I couldn’t believe my ears when he said ...

(Chorus)

Well let’s turn ’em loose let ’em run, I can’t remember having that much fun

The way them dogs went to singing their song, I could have listened all day long

Is there any way we can do it again, cause now your dogs are my best friends

Now I can say I understand a full-blooded Dog Huntin’ Man.