D. C. Cooper (born August 22, 1965 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania) is an American singer and musician. He starting out playing in several area bands touring the local club circuit in Pittsburgh all the while he studied singing under renowned opera coach Charlotte Coleman. His first thrust into the international spotlight was as a finalist to be Rob Halford's replacement in Judas Priest. Having created a buzz at the auditions he found himself with offers to sing for many European and American bands. He selected Royal Hunt after much deliberation and officially joined the band on December 26th, 1994. After 4 years with Royal Hunt Cooper left the band for his next project, a solo album that he began in 1998. Enlisting the help of musicians from many well known bands (among them guitarist Tore Ostby of Conception, and members of Pink Cream 69) he released D. C. Cooper in 1999. After a successful tour, Cooper formed a new band with former Sinner