By Ralphine Major
ralphine3@yahoo.com
His is a familiar name, especially in East Tennessee. It is becoming well known across the nation, as well. Shortly after the debut of his latest single earlier this year, Cooter Daniel’s “Ol’ Time Gospel Feelin’” rose to No. 4 in Canada and all the way up to No. 2 nationally in the country gospel category! The Nashville recording artist’s song was surpassed only by the legendary Bill Gaither at No. 1.
The Grainger County native was inspired to write “Ol’ Time Gospel Feelin’” during a terrible storm one night. The thunder and lightning prompted Cooter to recall another time when a storm hit, and he was at a church service in Clinch Valley. As the storm progressed, Cooter remembered that powerful church service where people were being saved and lives rededicated and felt led to write the up-tempo “Ol’ Time Gospel Feelin’” song. The writing came during the COVID pandemic, and Daniel wanted to do something positive. What better way to inspire others than writing and recording an uplifting message of hope!
Cooter comes from a talented family of musicians. I first heard about Cooter many years ago when I worked for his uncle, the late Criminal Defense Attorney Zane Daniel. Zane was also from Grainger County and played guitar. Cooter’s father is prominent Grainger County Attorney Creed Daniel who plays piano. While many in his family went on to become lawyers, Cooter focused on the musical side of talent, mastering the keyboard, guitar, and vocals. Not only does he perform country and Christian music, Cooter is also a songwriter and has worked with some of the best in the industry. He started out in Nashville working as a staff writer with Conway Twitty Bird Publishing. His Chart Buster, “Walk With Me On Bended Knees,” was ranked in the Top 20 of the Southern Gospel markets. My favorite Cooter Daniel recording is “I’m Rich,” another great song with a Christian message that Cooter wrote. Cooter Daniel—Christian country music with “lyrics that feed your soul.”
Words of Faith come from the wonderful scripture in John 14:21 (KJV), one of Cooter’s favorites: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”
