Today I would like you to join me in wishing one of the best-loved musicians and greatest characters in Norfolk a very happy birthday.

Believe it or not, our very own King of the Blues, Albert Cooper, will be celebrating his 90th birthday on June 16.

Albert Cooper on his balcony with his guitar in Norwich, September 2012 (Image: Newsquest Archive)

I remember writing about his 65th birthday in 1998 when he told me: “It’s amazing isn’t. Me a pensioner! Where has the time gone?”

I spoke to him again the other day when he said: “I can’t believe it. I’ve got a pacemaker, but I am still singing and recording,” he said.

Many of our entertainers come and go but Albert is very special. A living legend. Much-loved in Norwich, Norfolk, the rest of East Anglia, the whole country and abroad…especially Ibiza.

Two of the greatest characters from old Norwich - Black Anna and Albert Cooper - singing their hearts out at the Jolly Butchers on Ber Street (Image: Norwich 1945 to 1960: A Journey from Austerity to Prosperity by Frances and Michael Holmes)

He is also a fine poet…and his little book Only Those Who Love Me Need Attend, published by Kingsley Harris of the East Anglian Film Archive, illustrates that well.

So much has been written about Albert over the years I thought it was time I asked members of his family about him so I started with his son, the talented musician, Chris Cooper.

Chris Cooper with his father Albert at a grand piano, August 2003 (Image: Newsquest Archive)

“Dad has performed in so many places all over the world with so many fantastic musicians,” he said.

“He can sing expertly in so many styles: Blues, Jazz, skiffle, bluegrass, country and classical.

“His performances are passionate, dramatic, dynamic and always completing, These qualities are the reason why he gets the best out of the musicians he performs with,” said Chris.

Tony and Albert Cooper with the foundation stone at the Norwich Theatre Royal, July 1993 (Image: Newsquest Archive)

Albert’s well known brother Tony, journalist and theatre critic, added: “I loved Albert duetting with singers and his years partnering Anne at the Jolly Butchers in Ber Street, Norwich, were memorable. Previously when he guested with Alfie Garner’s Mustard City Stompers at the Bedford Arms,

“Those famous numbers penned by W.C. Handy, (the American composer and the Father of the Blues) St Louis Blues and Beale Street Blues were sung by Albert, I felt so much passion and lyricism that I think his renderings would be hard to beat,” he said.

Albert Cooper and The Jolly Butchers Skiffle Group at The Jolly Butchers pub on Ber Street, Norwich, in 1956 (Image: Newsquest Archive)

“However, a great night transpired when we hosted George Melly (practically a lifelong friend of the Coopers) at the Jacquard Club in Magdalen Street, When this fine jazz deuce joined forces to sing Doctor Jazz it brought the house down.

“Both singers were on great form while at the same venue we hosted the last great Chicago Blues shouter, Jimmy Witherspoon. His American lead guitarist Robben Ford asked if he could sit in with Albert to cut a few numbers. Another most memorable night,” said Tony.

He explained how popular Albert was and when the late Phil Guy, brother of Buddy Guy heard him blasting out at Norwich Arts Centre, he was so blown away he invited him to Chicago to do a stint at Buddy Guy’s Legends Club.

Tony said he was always meeting past members of the Jacquard and they would ask how Albert was. There were so many great times...and the music was world class.

Albert Cooper in full flow, undated (Image: Newsquest Archive)

“With Albert reaching his ninth decade, I’m hoping he will get it together to do a 90th birthday gig at Norwich Arts Centre, a venue he loves so much. If it happens it will most probably be in late summer.

“Therefore, all I can say now is Happy Birthday, Boy Albert. Ninety years and not out. Many an English batsman would like to knock up such a good innings!” added Tony.

Jazz and Blues Vocalist Albert Cooper playing in the room at Families' House that he is pictured playing in 1956 when it was the Jolly Butchers Public House, January 2008 (Image: Newsquest Archive)

One man Albert has been recording with recently is Phil Selby a well-known Norfolk musician, playing bass guitar with the Acme Blue Company, the Keno Kings (for 25 years) and currently the Uncalled Four.

“I’ve always been a great admirer of Albert, I loved his “blues shouter” since I first saw him in about 1985 and long harboured the idea – ambition really – to write a song with him someday. Now that dream has come true,” he said.

Let’s raise a jam jar containing your favourite tipple to toast him…fans will know what I mean.

Albert Cooper performs on stage with his drink in a jam jar (Image: Newsquest Archive)