Kingsley Harris, Coordinator for the East Anglian Music Archive, is launching an expanded, limited edition reprint of Albert Cooper – Norwich’s King of the Blues, following his passing last year. Ahead of a tribute concert to the legendary musician at Norwich Arts Centre, Kingsley explains all
Can you remind readers who you are and what you do?
I coordinate the East Anglian Music Archive, which collects information on local bands. It is an unfunded non-profit community project that started in 1982.
What has led you to releasing an expanded tribute edition of your 2003 book on Albert Cooper?
Albert and I had been trying to update the book for some time, but things just got in the way, Covid being just one of them. Albert sadly passed away last October, so his family and I decided to piece together this tribute edition, adding more memories and pictures.
In Norwich, how important a musical figure was he, in your opinion?
From a Norwich music perspective, Albert is one of the most important musical characters we have. Although he wasn’t a national figure, he did have that opportunity, not only with his folk trio but also as a classical singer. However, he decided to stay in Norwich. Albert was a prodigy child singer from a family whose support for the Arts – Music, Theatre and Artists is nationally recognised, with connections to the likes of Michael Andrews and others. When we talk about Black Anna, we often forget that Albert partnered her most nights from the mid-fifties to the mid-sixties, arguably one of Norwich’s most prolific duos. Albert sang and performed to Norwich audiences for 78 years and very rarely to an empty house. In 1984 It was as an eighteen-year-old then listening to mod, new wave, and punk that a performance by Albert’s Blues & Boogie Band made me think this blues and jazz stuff wasn’t just for slipper-wearing and pipe-smoking fuddy-duddies. He made it fun and the waffle that came with it was hilarious. If you put his playing exploits aside, you then have The Jacquard Club in both its formats. He could be one of Norwich’s most important people for this alone, along with brother Tony. I could go on, but that’s why there is a book about him.
What do the three new chapters cover?
Two of the three new chapters are interviews: one with Albert’s wife Valerie, who had some great anecdotes to tell, and the other a chat with Tony Cooper, Albert’s brother, about the Cooper family connection to the arts and the starting of The Jacquard folk club.
As well as the publication, what else is happening next month, at the NAC?
I’m not sure. I’m only involved in the book. I know Albert’s son Chris is organising the tribute gig at the NAC on the 7th of August. It could well be the last time The Blues & Boogie Band perform.
How can people get hold of a copy?
Books are available now on eBay and at The City Bookshop, Norwich.
Any more Music from the East Zone books in the pipeline?
Details of future projects are on the back of the Albert book. The next book is The Revolution Starts At Closing Time, about East Anglian bands of the 70s/80s.
A Tribute to Albert Cooper takes place at Norwich Arts Centre on Thursday August 7, 2025. The multi-talented Blues & Boogie Band featuring Christ Cooper will be celebrating the music of Albert’s life. A limited edition reprint of Albert Cooper – Norwich’s King of the Blues, by Kingsley Harris, will also be launched and will be available to buy on the night. It is also available on eBay and The City Bookshop.
Featured images – supplied
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