Clay fIrst began singing at the Wylie Opry at the age of fourteen, and continued to perform there until 1986, when he then joined the Texas Goldminors and moved to Branson, performing at the Ozarks Country Jubilee.

Since 1986, Clay has worked for many area shows, including the Ozark Jubilee, the Country Review Show in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the Down Home Country Show, the Buck Trent Show, the Jim Owens Show and Country Tonite, where he spent nine years as lead vocalist and emcee. In 1989, Evergreen Records released a single by Clay titled, “A Little Ground in Texas” which went to #60 on the Cash Box Charts.

In 2003, Clay joined his buddy, Paul Harris, as the featured male vocalist in Paul Harris Live.  Clay and his wife, Tina, began Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express in 2005 as a morning show in Branson, Missouri.   Both Tina and Clay are truly thankful for the opportunity to continue performing with such a talented cast.

Oklahoma’s own, Tina Cooper, was born to perform! Tina began dancing at the age of three at her mom’s studio in the garage of their home!  Tina continued her training through high school and graduated with a BFA in Music Theatre from the University of Oklahoma.  Tina worked at Frontier City and Opryland amusement parks.  She worked for Holland America Cruiselines for two years and then headed for Branson, Missouri.  Tina has been seen on several Branson stages performing in shows including Country Tonite, Celebrate America, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Dino’s Christmas Spectacular, Red, Hot, and Blue!, and Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express.  Tina met Clay when working at Country Tonite and they married in 1999.  They had Colt in August, 2003.  Tina wants to thank her father, John, for believing in her dreams and in her husband. She would also like to thank her Heavenly Father for the talent she has received.

Fourteen year old Cassidy Cooper is a featured performer for Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express.  Cassidy was born in Wylie, Texas and currently resides there with her mother and step-dad, Shelli and Kirk Pryor. She has three half-brothers, Jacob, Colton, and Caden, and she is a GREAT big sis.  Cassidy enjoys singing, drill team, softball, basketball, and boys.  Cassidy made her debut performance at Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express last summer and will be returning for guest appearances this summer as well.  Cassidy is a natural talent and her dad is definitely proud! 

Ten year-old Carrigan Bradley, from Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, is making her debut as a youth performer with the Clay Cooper Country Music Express.  Singing since the age of four, Carrigan has built an impressive resume which includes a recent National Anthem performance for the International Finals Rodeo; performances at the Rodeo Opry in Oklahoma City and appearing as a regular guest artist performer for the summer 2008 season at Northeastern State University’s “Downtown Country” in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where Carrie Underwood sang prior to winning American Idol. Carrigan is a member of the “Oklahoma Kids” and is an “American Kids National Finals Winner.”  Carrigan recently released her debut album, Walk Of Faith, which includes some of her favorite songs from gospel, country and patriotic music. Carrigan feels blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of this show and to be able to share her gift of singing that God has given her. www.shoutlife.com/carriganbradley

Through the 80's 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.

Born and raised in Des Arc, Arkansas Melody Hart started singing in church and playing the piano at age 3. By her teen age years she started playing the fiddle and singing with bluegrass groups around the state. In the late 80's she moved to Branson and began her first job on 76 Country Boulevard with the Plummer Family. After their retirement she played with such shows as Campbell's Ozark Country Jubilee, Braschlers, Texas Gold Minors, Barbara Fairchild, Brenda Lee, Presleys, Paul Harris, Joey Riley, Joe Diffie and currently with Buck Trent and Clay Cooper. Melody is also married to Wayne Massengale, fiddler/entertainer and they have 2 boys Garrett and Dillon.

Jimmy Hyde, originally from Hibbing, Minnesota, is definitely a favorite here in Branson.  Jimmy left high school and received an Associate of Arts Degree in English Literature.  He spent another year of school at the University of Minnesota.  Jimmy then moved to Nashville and toured as the drummer for several artists including Kitty Wells, Exile, and many others.  He spent 20 years working for Eddie Rabbit.  Jimmy came to Branson in 2002 as the new drummer for Country Tonite and continues to work there today.  In his spare time, Jimmy enjoys solving crossword puzzles, watching the History Channel, and riding his bike.  This is Jimmy’s fourth year with Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express. 

A native of Ft. Smith, AR.; Mark learned to play guitar at an early age and moved with his musical family to Nashville, TN where his father, Larry Morton, played guitar professionally with many popular artists including Danny Davis and The Nashville Brass...He also produced many artists which put Mark in the studio where he fely right at home. His mother, Ann J. Morton, a successful singer/songwriter performed with several artists including Floyd Tillman and The BlueBonnet Playboys and then went on to write songs for for artists, Charley Pride, Gene Watson and Hank Thompson. This inspired Mark to write and record his own songs which landed him a staff writing position at Scott Siman and Tim Mcgraw's publishing company for several years. Fate brought Mark to Branson where he played in many shows before finding a home at The Clay Cooper Theatre. Mark loves live music! Rock on!!

John Lance was raised in a musical family. John's older sister Lynda was a Nashville recording artist and his brother was an opera singer. By the age of 14, John was already a regular male vocalist on the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree. In 1990, John was playing keyboards with Ray Stevens when Stevens brought his show to Branson. Through his years in Branson, John has performed with Stevens, Country Tonite, Paul Harris, and is proud to be in his fifth season with Clay Cooper's Country Music Express!

Matt was born and raised right here in southwest Missouri.  His performing, athletic, and musical abilities began at a young age.  By the age of 2 Matt had already begun to get out pots and pans and Tupperware to form his own drum sets.  He continued his percussion training from middle school through high school where he performed in concert, pep, and competitive marching band.  Matt attended William Jewell College where he earned his BFA in Performance Theatre, joined 2 heavy metal bands, and was a 4 time All-American track and field Decathlete.  After college he needed money and decided to rob trains for a living as part of the Silver Dollar City steam train show.  Next he thought, “I’ve never ridden a horse before, why not Dixie Stampede?”  In his 5 years at the Stampede he rose from a novice, to become not only a lead rider, but a Trick Rider, Gareth’s backup as Skeeter (the comedian), and one of the Master of Ceremonies.  In 2005 Matt met Gareth Sever and ‘Buckets N Boards’ was formed.  They started on the streets of the Branson Landing and now have their own show right here in the new Clay Cooper Theatre (I hear it’s pretty good).  As if that wasn’t enough, Buckets N Boards will be joining the amazingly talented cast of Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express as well.  Matt would like to thank his wife and two daughters for putting up with Daddy, his parents for their unconditional love and lifelong support, and his entire family because as a group they probably bought half of Buckets N Boards’ merchandise thus far.

Tim Lewis began dancing at the age of 13 with Applause Studios of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  Right out of high school, Tim moved to Aurora, Ohio and danced at the Seasons at Geauga Lake Amusement Park.  His incredible talent brought him to Branson performing in several shows including Country Tonite, Jimmy Osmond’s American Jukebox, Hamner Barber Variety Show, Red, Hot, & Blue!, and now Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express.  Tim performs all styles of dance and is the dance captain for Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express.  When Tim is not performing, he is spending time with his wonderful wife, Abby.

Jenn Turner grew up dancing in Rochester, NY. She continued to study at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where she received a BFA in Dance Performance. After graduation, she landed the role of Velma in “West Side Story”. From there, she began to perform as a singer/dancer with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Ready to settle down with fellow entertainer, Tony Turner, she came to Branson, MO and joined “The Kirby VanBurch Show” as a dancer and magic assistant. The pregnancy with her first child, Savannah Ray, put Jenn on the production side, doing direction and choreography for “The Kirby VanBurch Show” and The “Road to Rock”. Shortly after, she was right back on stage performing as a singer/dancer in “Celebrate America”, “The Promise” and “Country Tonite” at The Mansion Theater. Her second pregnancy with son AJ brought on another break from the stage, but once again, she came back to perform as a dancer in “Dino’s Christmas Extravaganza!”. Jenn then went back to “Country Tonite” for another season, but in a new venue, The Oak Ridge Boys Theater. During this past season, she had the amazing opportunity to travel overseas with Operation Iraqi Children, which provided many children with shoes and school supplies. On this trip, she performed for troops in Baghdad, Iraq, and Ramstien, Germany. She is very excited to be joining the cast of “Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express” this season and is looking forward to a wonderful year and a great experience!

Tim Ehrenberg was born and raised in Weyauwega, WI and developed a love for performing at an early age.  While attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison he was a member of the prestigious Wisconsin Singers, Madison’s premiere song and dance troupe and also graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.  Following graduation, Tim has performed across the country and in 2009 traveled to Baghdad, Iraq to perform for the U.S. troops with Branson’s Country Tonite.  Tim is thrilled to be a part of Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express and thanks his parents, family and friends for their continuing love and support.

This is Nathan's 2nd season with the show! Being a local resident from Hollister, Missouri, 17 year old Nathan Applegate was exposed to the stage at somewhat of an early age. Nathan has performed in a few other venues around town, engaging in nightly shows at The Shepherd of the Hills with his grandmother, Dixie Stampede, and Silver Dollar City with the American Kids Organization. He began dancing at Premier Dance Academy and later began studying under his friend and mentor Tina Cooper. Tina took Nathan under her wing and introduced him to the broad world of dance. Later, Tina encouraged Nathan to audition for a dance scholarship at Midwest Dance Revolution and he successfully won the scholarship which will be completed in May 2009. Along with dance, Nathan is very active at Hollister High School where he is currently Junior Class President, choreographing for the Hollister Show Choir, and is involved with nine other clubs and organizations. Nathan would like to thank his family and friends for their never ending support, the Cooper Family for the opportunity, and God for all his grateful blessings.