Martin Cooper (musician)

Martin Cooper ( born January 1, 1958 in Liverpool, England ) is a British keyboardist, saxophonist, songwriter, and painter.

Life

Cooper first visited the Laird School of Art in Birkenhead and then studied art at the College of Art in Sheffield. After graduating in 1980 he joined Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. Together with Paul Humphreys wrote the title Souvenir, the 3-position of the UK singles chart and achieved one of the greatest achievements of the band. He was also co-author of the singles Talking Load and Clear and If You Leave.

After creative differences Cooper left along with Humphrey and drummer Malcolm Holmes OMD. The three of them formed the band The Listening Pool, which could release their first album due to contractual obligations until 1994. Cooper co-wrote all the tracks and designed the album cover, a still life. Two years later, the band broke up. As of 2007, Cooper joined again with OMD and was involved in 2010 as a musician on the album History of Modern.

Since leaving OMD 1989, Cooper focusing on painting, especially still life in oil paint. He exhibited his works in numerous British and international galleries, including the Royal Academy of Arts.

Cooper is married and has two sons.