In the modern-day era of what is labeled as country music, it seems that pop, hip-hop, and rap influences abound, particularly on country radio. As many of these contemporary crossovers and fusions are applauded and awarded, local country musician Cooper Wade and his sound are a definitive breath of fresh air—and while it is modern, the tribute to traditional country music permeates his recordings and live performances.  

“I like to call it ‘real-country-music.’ Real country, and country music, and all three of those together, for a more traditional sound. My band and I pride ourselves on that,” said Wade. 

This sound took root early on for Wade, who besides projecting that deep, melodic country sound through his vocals, played several instruments as well, all by a young age.  

“When I was 6, I began to play piano, drums when I was 12, and guitar when I was 13. I come from a musical family. My dad was a trumpet player, and my mom was a choir teacher who also had a degree in music,” said Wade, who received a percussion scholarship to Baylor University where he later earned a Bachelor’s in Music (percussion performance) with a minor in piano and voice. It was this time in college when Wade really began to take his talents to the stage.

“When I graduated from Baylor, I was doing studio work, but that ran opposite schedules with my wife, who was a teacher. So I started playing small venues for the fun of it, and it just kind of took off!” said Wade, who also takes pride in being a husband, father of four, as well as an owner and operator of a successful construction company. “I thought, well, if other people can make a living doing it, so can I.”

Wade’s prediction was right on mark. Before long, he and his band, also known as Cooper Wade and Unclaimed Freight, found themselves opening for national acts such as Billy Currington.