We received a note last night from David and Linda Lay, sharing the news that Carson Cooper had passed away yesterday afternoon (3/8/07). He had been battling liver cancer for quite some time, and was well known to bluegrass people in southwest Virginia and east Tennessee.

Just wanted to let you know that Carson Cooper passed away this afternoon. He was the owner of Cooper’s Morrell Music in Marion, VA and was instrumental in bringing back the “one” mike system. (Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver) He was one of the best sound men in the business.

Carson was a founding member of Appalachian Trail and played banjo in the group for 20 + years. He has a son, Kevin, daughter Susan, grandchildren, and brothers and sisters.

Over the years, Carson has helped many, many people in our music. He will truly be missed by all of us. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Doyle Lawson also passed along a fond remembrance of Carson.

“Carson was an under-rated banjo player and a good parts singer. More importantly, he was a genuinely good person and had a good heart about him. When young people came into his store, he would take time with them. I dealt with Carson a lot . . . . most of the time he was my ‘go to’ guy. If he didn’t have what I was looking for, he would advise me where to look for it. He suffered a long time. When I went to see him last week, he was nearing the end . . . when I asked if there was anything I could do for him, he said he was just fine. He was a totally unselfish person and just wanted to help people.”