Dee Cooper-Durden

By: Melody Geear


Dee Cooper-Durden has taken her gospel roots and produced a contemporary style of music, an infusion of R&B, jazz and soul influences. She has a unique perspective on what all the different facets of her congregation would enjoy listening to, from the traditional and conservative to the young and contemporary. Durden is able to spread the word through her unique style and breathe new life into gospel music.
Durden sticks with tradition on “The Lord is My Shepard”. She takes a well-known and conventional hymn and takes a new approach by using a contemporary arrangement. Because of the song’s beauty and message, it is one of Durden’s most beloved tracks; not to mention it is the song that originally inspired her album. She possesses an emotional and persuasive vocal, while being supported by an electric keyboard and smooth sax that is reminiscent of 90’s light R&B. The song is upbeat and light, with Durden’s expressive quality keeping it together.
On “Get Over It” Durden shows more of a soulful style, creating a modern baseline to support her compassion and driving lyrics. She expresses the need to literally “get over it” and move on with life after facing difficult obstacles. Durden’s voice is like a support mechanism, allowing the listener to realize that throughout life’s challenges, there are great things on the other side; one must just believe. She sings with heavy regard for what her listeners need and want to hear and creating a vehicle for the underlying message of life, love and happiness.
Dee Cooper-Durden has definite potential as a prominent gospel singer, with some additional exposure and experience under her wing. There are a few off-key notes sprinkled through her tracks, but the positive message and emotive vocals outweigh the smaller technical problems.
- NORTHEAST IN-TUNE MAGAZINE

Northeast In-Tune magazine stated in their most recent issue, October-November 2006, that Texas gospel artist, Dee Cooper-Durden's music is unique, compassionate and persuasive - a breath of fresh air. This artist has a definite potential as a prominent gospel singer given the exposure and opportunity. To create a new sound, Dee took her gospel roots and produced a contemporary style of music, an infusion of R&B, jazz and soul influences, also traditional. Dee sings with a heavy regard for what her listeners need and want to hear creating a vehicle for the underlying message of life, love and happiness. Her music is insightful, motivational, and awe-inspiring as it reaches all.

Northeast In-Tune Magazine, a monthly music, arts and entertainment publication, gave Texas Gospel recording artist, Dee Cooper-Durden, a sweet review that will receive worldwide coverage. This was just what Dee had been waiting for. Dee is an unsigned artist and Northeast's primary focus is on covering, reviewing and spotlighting the Indie/unsigned music scenes of the world, as well as female musicians and acts.

Here is the review submitted by Northeast's Melody Geear for the latest CD, The Lord is My Shepherd Live, which was written/produced and sung by the unsigned artist:

"Dee Cooper-Durden has taken her gospel roots and produced a contemporary style of music, an infusion of R&B, jazz and soul influences. She has a unique perspective on what all the different facets of her congregation would enjoy listening to, from the traditional and conservative to the young and contemporary. Durden is able to spread the word through her unique style and breathe new life into gospel music.
Durden sticks with tradition on “The Lord is My Shepherd”. She takes a well-known and conventional hymn and takes a new approach by using a contemporary arrangement. Because of the song’s beauty and message, it is one of Durden’s most beloved tracks; not to mention it is the song that originally inspired her album. She possesses an emotional and persuasive vocal, while being supported by an electric keyboard and smooth sax that is reminiscent of 90’s light R&B. The song is upbeat and light, with Durden’s expressive quality keeping it together.
On “Get Over It” Durden shows more of a soulful style, creating a modern baseline to support her compassion and driving lyrics. She expresses the need to literally “get over it” and move on with life after facing difficult obstacles. Durden’s voice is like a support mechanism, allowing the listener to realize that throughout life’s challenges, there are great things on the other side; one must just believe. She sings with heavy regard for what her listeners need and want to hear and creating a vehicle for the underlying message of life, love and happiness.
Dee Cooper-Durden has definite potential as a prominent gospel singer, with some additional exposure and experience under her wing. There are a few off-key notes sprinkled through her tracks, but the positive message and emotive vocals outweigh the smaller technical problems."

Dee is still thrilled about the review and feels Northeast In-Tune's Melody Geear did a great job. She is in hope of gaining enough positive exposure to attract the right record producer or major record label that will have enough confidence and belief in her music, have a spiritual ear to hear her true God-given gifts/talents, and have the godly chutzpah to invest in her.
- PRWEB

Cooper-Durden DETOURS TO DESTINY are more than just books, but they are a library of books that reveal a mine of spiritual riches and wisdom. They include drama, history, prophecy, philosophy, science, poetry, inspirational reading...covering a wide range of literature.

Austin, Texas, (PRWEB) November 15, 2006 -- Tou Communications, a Dallas public relations and marketing firm, praised the writings of new author, Dee Cooper-Durden in her books, DETOURS TO DESTINY, recently published by Holy Fire Publishing of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Detours to Destiny is more than just a book, but it is a ministry, a revelation, a library of books and a mine of spiritual riches.

Dee Cooper-Durden’s work is most challenging and supernaturally impacting from a marketing and promotional perspective. "Detours to Destiny..." is more of an anthology than a book. Usually anthologies - poems and prose selections of a particular period, societal era, or political-cultural consciousness, are comprised of works of various writers. Dee’s writings reveal the creative, but alarmingly truth of the many slices of her. Her enthralling psalms, poems, autobiographical sketches, and phenomenal diatribes in prose reveal something more than just a work that should be bound between a front and back cover.

What Dee has allowed to flow out of her being is not just a literary work in progress, but a visual and performance work of art - that can be marketed into a unique docu-drama of endless and profoundly impacting significance in the arts industry...the multimedia world of "Christian-dom"...and into teaching "cutting-edge" curriculums and counseling techniques within the psychiatric, psychological, and sociological schools and practices of established academia. Like most artists, her passion and metamorphic creativity precedes her and overwhelms many - who do not understand the creative process. Her journey of living written on the numerous pages of Detours to Destiny will teach and reveal much to many.

The book review above by Tou Communications was submitted before Dee invited other writers to contribute articles for her final publications. With permission, certain articles were contributed to Detours to Destiny that were in spiritual agreement and support of Dee’s writings as a witness. As a result, the books grew to over 329 and 200 pages at an extra cost, but Dee’s passion for divine destiny outweighed the cost. In essence, you will enjoy articles submitted by prominent authors such as Patricia King, Bill Yount, Dr. Steve Allen, James Dickson, Dr. Jerry Vestal, Paul Keith, John Lifflander, Kenneth & Angel Harbaum, Pastor Randy Garcia, as well as other unique ministries and testaments that haven’t been revealed before.

Special Note: It has been reported that some individuals can see the figure of a man in the clouds on the book's front cover. - Tou Communications

Band Name: TheLordisMyShepherdLive
Website Address: http://detourstodestiny.tripod.com
Email Address: deecooperdurden@netzero.com
City: Austin
State: Texas
Country:
ZipCode: 78753
Phone: 512-833-9127
MusicStyle: Smooth and soul gospel
Download page:
Listen to http://www.musicsubmit.com/bandmusicfiles/10561-.mp3


Description: Inspirational music with a touch of traditional, jazz, R&B and
gospel soul anointing

Biography: My name is Dee Cooper-Durden. I have been in the gospel music arena
practically all of my life. I am very familiar with the traditional sounds of
gospel, but I have added a new sound to help celebrate gospel on more than the
usual gospel station, but on secular stations as well. It is my desire to
spread gospel music around the world. In essence, I have recorded this CD and
written two books so that they would enhance each other and strengthen the body
of Christ. I have had to do most of the legwork because of my skills in
computers and my Business degree obtained from Sam Houston State University.
Because the CD is dedicated to my family, you will find that my cousins are
included on the CD in the area of guitar music and one cousin who sings two of
her sounds from her vast collection. I have traveled with my parents near and
far singing alone and with groups that we have created. I also play the
keyboard and organ/keyboard as well.

Press Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2006

CONTACT:
Dee Cooper Durden
deecooperdurden@netzero.com
(512) 689-0432

DEE COOPER DURDEN DEBUT ALBUM, THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD LIVE FEATURING HIT SONGS,
GET OVER IT AND THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY RELEASED IN
CELEBRATION OF HALF A CENTURY OF GOSPEL MUSIC

Houston, Texas - Members, friends and family of Dee Cooper-Durden met at the
Evangelist Temple Church of God in Christ of Houston, Texas, pastored by
longtime friend and presiding bishop, Bishop Rufus Kyles, for a grand live
recording to celebrate over a half a century of singing, preaching and teaching
gospel.

Dee begins the celebration off with her first recording she did with her
in-laws, The Durden Singers, with a new sound and her original lyrics. She
stated that this song is about this time which is destined to be The Jubilee for
the rest of us. A time of manifestation of the long-awaited jubilation of those
who have suffered double the trouble and will receive twice the prize. Then she
sings out of her heart for God to send His blessing down on her soul. By the
time she finished I'll be thru dedicating to the traditional music lovers, the
church was in a joyful uproar with praises with the spirit of God electrifying
the atmosphere.

Then she paved the way for Jackie Bennett of Houston, Texas to come and stand
with her as she records two of her compositions. Her first song was an
original, Touch the Heart of God. And then she ended with a song, "Get
Ready for you know not the Hour" which touched our hearts as well. The
Bennett family also assisted on the drums, sound system, and in the video
recording of the gospel show. The Bennetts are also relatives of the Coopers.

Everyone was really anticipating the famed Jones Singers and they did not let
them down as Roche, Nick, and Chris along with the rest of their crew sung with
such spirit, beauty, grace and joy that once again the church went up in
shouting joy.

The Cooper Gospel Jamboree was asked to come forth. All Reverends and Pastors
of the Cooper families, Rev. Noble L. Cooper, Jr., Rev. Terry L. Cooper, Rev.
David Dixon, Rev. Leonard Simpson, and Rev. J.J. Jones, Jr. blessed the audience
with a Gospel Guitar Jamboree with Rev. Leonard playing the guitar sounds of
gospel guitar trailblazer, Supt. Noble L. Cooper, Sr.

There were other groups present who sang beautiful and you can be sure that the
Good Shepherd Productions, who did all of the recordings, were finding their way
to these talented young people. The Good Shepherd Productions is located in
Houston, Texas. Mr. Kenneth Taylor is the CEO.

For more information or to order the CD or the books, please visit http://detourstodestiny.tripod.com or www.cdbaby.com/cd/dcdurden.


-END-
- musicSubmit

Gospel Music’s best kept secret and most hidden and talented shining star today is Dee Cooper-Durden. She is one of the most anointed gospel vocalists of this day and time. She recently debuted with her solo album after years of singing with The Durden Singers, The Bishop’s Choir and the Cooper Ministries. Dee surprised them all when she came forth live at the Evangelist Temple Church in Houston, Texas and recorded her CD, THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD LIVE. This CD has proven to be one of the most popular CDs to date. It has birth several new hit singles, ‘Get Over It' and ‘I’ll Be Thru’. Recorded by The Good Shepherd Production, the CD features guest artists, cousins Jackie Bennett, Jesse Jones, Leonard Simpson, David Dixon; and her brothers, Terry Cooper and Noble L. Cooper. The Lord is My Shepherd Live has caused her to be selected and offered astounding opportunities.

Her uniquely dynamic voice is set to music by the awesome Braxton Brothers, the Good Shepherd Production musicians and the Cooper Guitar Players Five, all giving an anointed and electrifying effect that will leave you clapping you hands and cause you to play the songs over and over again. The upbeat tempo and laid-back synth chords combine to set a perfect atmosphere for getting your praise and shout on. For some good old down-to-earth church music, get your shout on by listening to the Gospel Medley presented by The Cooper Guitar Players Five.

Dee Cooper-Durden is a singer/songwriter who hails from the live music capitol of the world, Austin, Texas. Her voice is a rare blend of rasp and smooth gospel soul. Dee displays five-fold talents, backing up her amazing voice with equally strong songwriting skills; she is an awesome musician/keyboard; composer, author and evangelist. Dee is currently doing gospel shows, programs, and gigs around Texas, California, and Missouri. Check out some of her original tunes and keep an eye out for upcoming shows! Dee breaks the mold for female inspirational gospel artists with her expressive songs and unique voice.

Although she has dedicated her life to inspirational gospel music for over three decades, she may not be the top selling artist at this time, but Dee could have, without a shadow of a doubt, been one of the most celebrated artists of our time if hindrances and blocks never existed. Experience her concerts! You can be sure your life will be touched and/or changed because Dee stirs you with the word as well as with the songs she has written. She also inspires you with her books that she has written including her Prophetic Poetry. She has a ministry, a melody, a message, a move that she is compelled to spread through her music. It is a message of compassion for the lives and souls of others.

The Lord is My Shepherd LIVE has been chosen for two new Gospel CD Compilations, The Best of the Blessed, which is in production by 2 Blessed Music Group of Palm Bay, Florida and IDIE 360 CD Compilation, a worldwide music promotion project by 3000 Records, both soon to start production.

The CD is presently receiving airplay on Independent Gospel Radio and Live365. The founder and contact is Leander McClain. http://www.live365.com/stations/godsdj, www.indiegospelradio.com. Her Independent Gospel Radio webpage is located at http://www.indiegospelradio.com/details.asp?ArtistID=1319.

Dee was interviewed by Xradio.biz’s Women with a Vision Global Exposure Opportunity’s Jerushia McDonald-Hylton and she also receives airplay at Xradio.biz. Women With a Vision is an inspirational reality talk show that features new artists, poets and authors from all walks of life. XRadio.biz broadcasts 24hrs.a day, 7 days a week. http://www.xradio.biz/LasVegas (702) 641-6459.

She will soon be scheduled for another interview - this time with the Unsigned Music Magazine! UNSIGNED Music Magazine has selected Dee to appear in a future issue of it’s review section, "New Style". UNSIGNED Music Magazine provides full-length feature interviews, reviews, commentaries and critical business information for and about independent artists. Located in Atlanta, GA, it is the largest magazine dedicated to Indie music! Mr. Ian Cole is the Artist Liaison, http://www.unsignedmusicmag.com.

She’s up for a publishing deal as she was selected by Independent Music Publishing (IMP). Independent Music Publishing (IMP) looks for professionally recorded, radio-ready original songs for multiple, ongoing commercial placements in television, film, advertising, video games, pod casts and other commercial placements.

Dee has also been offered online promotions provided by: MoPrayze Music Group; Music Media, Publicity and Artist Promotions service: U:Music Media, Inc. This station’s database is said to be jam-packed with thousands of churches, record label execs, promoters, producers and gospel music lovers.www.moprayzemusic.com. Look for their new U:Music Magazine (a positive urban online source for entert - musicSubmit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 21, 2006 CONTACT: Dee Cooper Durden deecooperdurden@netzero.com (512) 689-0432 DEE COOPER DURDEN DEBUT ALBUM, THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD LIVE FEATURING HIT SONGS, GET OVER IT AND THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY RELEASED IN CELEBRATION OF HALF A CENTURY OF GOSPEL MUSIC Houston, Texas - Members, friends and family of Dee Cooper-Durden met at the Evangelist Temple Church of God in Christ of Houston, Texas, pastored by longtime friend and presiding bishop, Bishop Rufus Kyles, for a grand live recording to celebrate over a half a century of singing, preaching and teaching gospel. Dee begins the celebration off with her first recording she did with her in-laws, The Durden Singers, with a new sound and her original lyrics. She stated that this song is about this time which is destined to be The Jubilee for the rest of us. A time of manifestation of the long-awaited jubilation of those who have suffered double the trouble and will receive twice the prize. Then she sings out of her heart for God to send His blessing down on her soul. By the time she finished I'll be thru dedicating to the traditional music lovers, the church was in a joyful uproar with praises with the spirit of God electrifying the atmosphere. Then she paved the way for Jackie Bennett of Houston, Texas to come and stand with her as she records two of her compositions. Her first song was an original, Touch the Heart of God. And then she ended with a song, "Get Ready for you know not the Hour" which touched our hearts as well. The Bennett family also assisted on the drums, sound system, and in the video recording of the gospel show. The Bennetts are also relatives of the Coopers. Everyone was really anticipating the famed Jones Singers and they did not let them down as Roche, Nick, and Chris along with the rest of their crew sung with such spirit, beauty, grace and joy that once again the church went up in shouting joy. The Cooper Gospel Jamboree was asked to come forth. All Reverends and Pastors of the Cooper families, Rev. Noble L. Cooper, Jr., Rev. Terry L. Cooper, Rev. David Dixon, Rev. Leonard Simpson, and Rev. J.J. Jones, Jr. blessed the audience with a Gospel Guitar Jamboree with Rev. Leonard playing the guitar sounds of gospel guitar trailblazer, Supt. Noble L. Cooper, Sr. There were other groups present who sang beautiful and you can be sure that the Good Shepherd Productions, who did all of the recordings, were finding their way to these talented young people. The Good Shepherd Productions is located in Houston, Texas. Mr. Kenneth Taylor is the CEO. For more information or to order the CD or the books, please visit http://detourstodestiny.tripod.com or www.cdbaby.com/cd/dcdurden. -END-

- MUSIC.SUBMIT

1) AWESOME! The anointed...
Reviewer: NANN
Bless GOD, I'm in awe! Lyrics, music-super. Most pleased. Will buy & share CD.


2) Excellent! Tears just rolled listening to #9, That is evangelism at its best.
Reviewer: Johnnie Morris
Excellent! What A Hit! God is glorified! I am telling all down here about it.


3) Excellent!
Reviewer: Angie
I listened the sample songs, excellent. You are so talented. I know people will be blessed.


4) Right on Time...
Reviewer: Bobbi Roberts
I loved the CD, but the "The Message of the CD" was what really ministered to me. I have been through a divorce and this was something I really needed to hear. It is right on time. I also noticed that I am connected to many of the same people in Houston, Texas whom she has mentioned in her insert and that is also very wonderful. I have many friends and family in Houston.


5) I was surprised!
Reviewer: Steve Savage
Mr. Steve Savage, KAZI's general manager said this about the CD: "I was surprised. I couldn't believe the quality of the CD. I will definitely play it at this radio station for the Gospel Radio.


6) WOW! What a Mighty GOD WE SERVE!
Reviewer: Noble Cooper, III aka lil noble
My Dearest Dee...The Lord Is my Shephard is Remarkable everything I heard is blessed I am filled with joy and excitement in anticipation of my own copy of the album.. may you continue to be the blessing that you are to this world of ours and keep letting God Use you!


7) What A Mighty God We Serve! Wow!
Reviewer: Noble Cooper, III aka lil noble
What I have heard has blessed me so much I cannot wait to get the album. May God continue to keep you and bless you.


8) Awesome! Dee, Our God is Awesome to him we give the glory!
Reviewer: Johnnie Morris
I loved it The Lord is my Shepherd blessed me and I can't wait to buy it. Get over it is a message in the song, just listen and it is all good.


9) I love the music..It was so warm and heart touching.
Reviewer: Noble Cooper,Jr
Ms Durden has done an excellent job of ministering through her music..This just what we need in these times..We need soul touching songs that is far from lip service but life service. I feel that is what I recieved from this young later. May God richly Bless her ...
- CDBaby listeners

The Austin Chronicle
2004 ACL Fest Guide

September 17
The Durdens
1pm, Capital Metro stage

While many gospel acts at ACL are firmly rooted in the R&B-leaning styles of the Forties and Fifties, the Durdens play this territory with a nod toward contemporary pop. Vocalist Larry Durden's warm, ingratiating stage personality makes you feel right at home, while bassist Anthony Durden keeps it funky on uptempo numbers like "We Give the Glory." The Austin-based family group has been singing for 27 years, and their latest CD, New Day, came out this summer. – Greg Beets
- The Austin Chronicle