Charles Wesley Cooper, III

I heard the news that he passed away this morning, but I was told he actually died on the 22nd. He was only 31 years old. My age. I had the pleasure of meeting Charlie when I lived in Chicago, at a restaurant that doesn't exist anymore. (It was currently a tapas restaurant last I saw.) We would cross paths often on the street called Damen mainly in-between North Avenue and Division Street. He was as stated below, a very gifted musician and a warm and generous human being. He will be missed.

From the Telefon Tel Aviv myspace:

Hello, Everyone.

It breaks my heart to inform you all that Charlie Cooper, my better half in Telefon Tel Aviv, passed away on January 22nd.

We have been friends since high school, and began making records together a decade ago. We have been so fortunate to tour the world together, while at the same time having a massive amount of laughs at one another's expense.

Aside from Charlie's singular genius and musical gifts, I can tell you that he was a total sweetheart of a guy, and a loving friend and confidant to people everywhere. His musicianship was surpassed only by his greater gift to the world - his warmth, his generosity, his unquenchable humor, and his undying loyalty to those whom he loved. In the spirit of honorable mention, however, I should mention that he had a shoe collection that was marvelous, knowledge of hip-hop that was profound, and knowledge of wine that was subtle.

He is survived by a sister, a neice, a nephew, his mother, his stepfather, me, and more adoring friends than the Universe has dark matter. As such, his family and I ask for your discretion and consideration of our privacy during these extremely turbulent waters.

Yours in Music,
Joshua Eustis

This was written beautifully by my friend John Dugan, I share the same sentiments: http://www3.timeoutny.com/chicago/blog/out-and-about/?p=12200
This is a report from CBS2: http://cbs2chicago.com/local/charles.cooper.musician.2.918857.html