In 1999, Cary Cooper was a 37-year-old stay-at-home mom in a struggling marriage. Concerned for her well-being, a therapist suggested she find something that brought her joy outside her marriage or she might die an early death. Shortly after, she found herself at a house concert, captivated by original songs from unfamiliar artists. It was in that moment that she discovered her life-changing passion.
Within two years, Cooper had enough original songs to record her debut album with producer Tom Prasada-Rao. Her talent was quickly recognized as she won the NEW FOLK contest at the KERRVILLE FOLK FESTIVAL in 2004. Over the years, she became a two-time finalist in various prestigious songwriting contests across the country, (including Telluride and Rocky Mountain) showcasing her funny, poetic, and inspiring songs that celebrate the beauty of everyday life and love.
In 2011, Cooper was featured on the first season of the nationally syndicated docudrama TROUBADOUR,TX. She later relocated to Asheville, NC, where she shared her passion for music and songwriting with students at The Franklin School of Innovation and INTERLOCHEN Arts Academyin Michigan, where she had the good fortune to have Chappell Roan as a student.
As the founder of REALPEOPLEREALSONGS, she gathers groups of renowned songwriters to participate in an online songwriting challenge. Past participants include Tracy Grammer, Alice Peacock, Sara Hickman, Terri Hendrix, Annika Bennett, David Wilcox, Vance Gilbert, and Eric Schwartz.
With six solo albums and two duo albums under her belt, including recent singles "Good Girl”, and “Stardust”, Cary Cooper had plans to return to performing after her youngest daughter graduated high school in 2019. Despite building a tiny house on wheels to facilitate touring, the pandemic of 2020 disrupted her plans. In 2021, she relocated to Nashville but missed the mountains of Asheville that inspired her, so she returned in 2023.
Today, Cary Cooper is back on stage, sharing her music and coaching aspiring songwriters. She lives by the mantra from Mary Gauthier to "SING THE SONG THAT ONLY YOU CAN SING," a sentiment she holds close to her heart, even tattooed on her arm. Tom Prasada-Rao aptly describes her talent, saying, "Cary Cooper has always had a way with words, and before you know it - her songs will have their way with your heart."