CLAY COOPER'S COUNTRY EXPRESS

"THE BAND"

Meet the people who help make the magic happen!

The Band

The BAND

Button
The Coopers

The COOPERS

Visual odyssey across continents
Button
Featured Vocalist
The Dancers

The DANCERS

Portraits of people from around the globe
Button

THE BAND

Jonathan Band Headshot

JONATHAN BLACK

Button
Headshot

ROBBIE BLACKWOOD

Visual odyssey across continents
Button
Mark Headshot

MARK EVANS

Portraits of people from around the globe
Button
R.P. Headshot
Grand Headshot

JONATHAN BLACK

Jonathan Black was born in Jasper, Alabama, and is a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. He moved to Branson in 1995 to perform with Barbara Fairchild. Jonathan has since performed with Lost in the 50’s, Stuck on the 70’s, Cowboys Heroes and Friends with Canadian artist Eli Barsi, The Buck Trent Morning Show, The Baldknobbers Jamboree, Grand Gospel Jubilee, Grand Country Jubilee Sunday Show, The 70’s Music Celebration starring Barry Williams, Billy Dean, Hot Rods & High Heels, Dean Z The Ultimate Elvis, and #1 Hits Of The 60’s. In 2017 he joined the band of Clay Cooper’s Country Express playing saxophone and keyboard. He was awarded 2016 Branson’s Best Keyboard Player Terry Award and 2011 Critic’s Choice Best Keyboard Player of the Year. In his spare time, Jonathan practices martial arts. He is in the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2010 for Outstanding Martial Artist and won 2012 Black Belt of the Year.

MARK EVANS

Mark Evans is originally from Sandpoint, Idaho. At only 16 years old, Barbara Mandrell hired him as the bass player for her show, and he performed the Grand Ole Opry with her. Mark later toured with Johnny Paycheck and then decided to take a break from performing. He worked as a commercial fisherman in Alaska, Bristol Bay, and Southeast for halibut, salmon, and shrimp. He later came to Branson and performed in several shows in town including 50’s At the Hop, Breakfast with the Classics, Moe Bandy, Barbara Mandrell, Barry Williams 70’s Show, and now Clay Cooper’s Country Express. He has also played with Kathy Mattea, Red Simpson, Nat Stucky, George Jones, Billy Dean, and the Edgar Winter Band. When he isn’t working, he enjoys taking long walks, fishing, and spending time with his beautiful girls, Madison and Shelby.

MARK EVANS

Mark Evans is originally from Sandpoint, Idaho. At only 16 years old, Barbara Mandrell hired him as the bass player for her show, and he performed the Grand Ole Opry with her. Mark later toured with Johnny Paycheck and then decided to take a break from performing. He worked as a commercial fisherman in Alaska, Bristol Bay, and Southeast for halibut, salmon, and shrimp. He later came to Branson and performed in several shows in town including 50’s At the Hop, Breakfast with the Classics, Moe Bandy, Barbara Mandrell, Barry Williams 70’s Show, and now Clay Cooper’s Country Express. He has also played with Kathy Mattea, Red Simpson, Nat Stucky, George Jones, Billy Dean, and the Edgar Winter Band. When he isn’t working, he enjoys taking long walks, fishing, and spending time with his beautiful girls, Madison and Shelby.

ROBBIE BLACKWOOD

Robbie Blackwood comes from a world-renowned musical family, The Blackwood Brothers, and was introduced as the "world's youngest drummer" at the age of 11 months old by none other than Roy Rogers! Robbie was found in churches, theatres, convention halls, state and county fairs throughout US and Canada, performing with his family as part of The Blackwood Singers. He moved to Branson with his family in 1990 to continue their performance careers right here in the Ozarks. Robbie has also played in several other shows in town including Grand Country, Jim Stafford, Billy Dean and The Baldknobbers. He and his beautiful wife, Mary, have six incredible children.  Robbie met Clay when he moved to Branson and they quickly became good friends. Now Rob loves every moment playing drums with his buddy and this incredible cast!

ROBBIE BLACKWOOD

Robbie Blackwood comes from a world-renowned musical family, The Blackwood Brothers, and was introduced as the "world's youngest drummer" at the age of 11 months old by none other than Roy Rogers! Robbie was found in churches, theatres, convention halls, state and county fairs throughout US and Canada, performing with his family as part of The Blackwood Singers. He moved to Branson with his family in 1990 to continue their performance careers right here in the Ozarks. Robbie has also played in several other shows in town including Grand Country, Jim Stafford, Billy Dean and The Baldknobbers. He and his beautiful wife, Mary, have six incredible children.  Robbie met Clay when he moved to Branson and they quickly became good friends. Now Rob loves every moment playing drums with his buddy and this incredible cast!

R.P. HARRELL

R.P. was raised in Lufkin, Texas, where he began playing professionally in 1967. By 1969 he was on the road full time, with regular appearances at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. During the early 70’s he also began a career in the recording industry, which led him to his first love of producing, engineering, and performing on recordings. He married his wife, Debbie Sue, in 1972, and they toured the U.S. and performed together through 1982. Through the '80s he alternated touring and recording careers. Since moving to Branson in 1992, R.P. performed and toured with Rex Allen, Jr. and Roy Clark. In 1994 he joined “Country Tonite” when it opened in Branson. During his ten years with the show, he was the director, musical director, pianist, vocalist, and production manager. He either produced or co-produced several seasons of the show as well. He was voted Branson’s “Piano Player of the Year” for three consecutive years, and inducted into the Branson Entertainer’s Hall of Fame in 1998.

R.P. HARRELL

R.P. was raised in Lufkin, Texas, where he began playing professionally in 1967. By 1969 he was on the road full time, with regular appearances at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. During the early 70’s he also began a career in the recording industry, which led him to his first love of producing, engineering, and performing on recordings. He married his wife, Debbie Sue, in 1972, and they toured the U.S. and performed together through 1982. Through the '80s he alternated touring and recording careers. Since moving to Branson in 1992, R.P. performed and toured with Rex Allen, Jr. and Roy Clark. In 1994 he joined “Country Tonite” when it opened in Branson. During his ten years with the show, he was the director, musical director, pianist, vocalist, and production manager. He either produced or co-produced several seasons of the show as well. He was voted Branson’s “Piano Player of the Year” for three consecutive years, and inducted into the Branson Entertainer’s Hall of Fame in 1998.

RAY HARRIS

Ray was born and raised in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He attended Oklahoma City University where he received a Bachelors and Masters degrees in trumpet performance. Ray moved to Branson in 1996 to join the Shoji Tabuchi show. He spent 11 years with Shoji playing trumpet, piano and as a staff arranger. After Shoji’s he moved to the Hughes Brothers show as band leader and trumpet / piano player. His Branson tenure includes playing for the Voices of Glory, Matt Gumm and a number of other shows. Ray is a classically trained organist / pianist and is a church musician as well. His hobbies include cycling, disc golf and running. He has pedaled thousands of miles in the beautiful Ozark mountains and can frequently be found at one of the area disc golf courses or running a trail.

DEAN CHURCH

This world class entertainer has been a Branson favorite
since 1983, delighting audiences with his musical abilities. Dean started
his career in Branson at the age of 14 and has performed in numerous
shows, sharing the stage with such greats as Andy Williams, Ray Price,
Tony Orlando, Box Car Willie, Ferlin Husky, Jim Stafford and Cristy Lane.


Dean had the honor of playing the lead role of Thomas the fiddler in the
movie "Ozarks Legacy and Legend" appearing at the IMAX Theater. He
has been recognized as Branson's Violin/Fiddle Player of the Year multiple
times. Dean spent many years as a featured instrumentalist aboard the
Showboat Branson Belle and at Silver Dollar City. He is currently
performing with Eastern Heights and Clay Cooper.

GRANT MOODY

Grant Moody was born and raised right here in Branson, Missouri. He, like many others, grew up watching his father, long-time Branson musician Greg Moody, perform onstage. He knew from a young age that music and performing was going to be his life. Grant began performing onstage at the age of 4 and landed his first professional job at the age of 15 playing lead guitar for the Silver Screen Cowboy’s son, "Roy Rogers Jr." Since then, you've seen Grant with many shows in town including Pierce Arrow Show, The Brett Family, Clay Coopers Country Express, Showboat Branson Belle, Silver Dollar City, and Branson Famous Baldknobbers. Grant can also be seen with his own regional touring band Eastern Heights, performing all over the Midwest region throughout the year.

When Grant's not onstage playing, he can be found designing lights and sound for productions all around. Grant has a passion for assisting for his wife's theatre program and productions at Branson High School.

Having worked for Clay when he was 16 years old, Grant Is thrilled to be re-joining the Clay Coopers Country Express Cast again 11 years later.