You don't have to be a type expert or fanatic to recognise this font. Cooper Black is a unique serif typeface with bold rounded serifs and curved edges; it is a serif font with the feel of a sans serif. It was designed by Oswald Bruce Cooper and was released by the Barnhart Brothers & Spindler type foundry in 1922. Despite being created in the 1920s and exhibiting influences from the Art Nouveau period, the font has a contemporary feel, as if Cooper was designing for another time. It immediately thrived in the advertising industry in post-war America but it was not until the 1960s when it was used by the Beach Boys for their 'Pet Sounds' album cover that it became pop culture's favourite font. From the 1960s onwards, its use increased worldwide and it is still used today in logos, movie posters and packaging design, but predominantly in album covers.
Aesthetically, the font fitted perfectly in to the 1960s and 70s Pop-Art movement. We now view it as retro and nostalgic of the bubblegum era, but at the time it was popular for its bold personality that didn't compromise legibility. Oswald Cooper was originally an illustrator, which may explain the sense of character that the font has; it has friendly curves as if the letters have been inflated in a bubble style and the blurred serifs and small counters create a warm, friendly feel. The backward tilt of the O counter is charismatic and shows that the font doesn't need to be taken too seriously, as if the letters might roll off the page at any moment. It is strong and bold but also friendly and fun, making it perfect to market music.
With that in mind, here are some of the most renowned uses of Cooper Black on album covers - note its versatility in marketing different genres of music.
Hobo Flats - Jimmy Smith (1963)
Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys (1966)
Buffalo Springfield - Buffalo Springfield (1966)
Boots - Nancy Sinatra (1966)
Sounds of Silence - Simon and Garfunkel (1966)
Freak Out - The Mothers of Invention (1966)
To Love Somebody - The Bee Gees (1967)
Hip Hip Hooray / Say Darlin' - The Troggs (1968)
McCartney - Paul McCartney (1970)
Where I'm Coming From - Stevie Wonder (1971)
Doors - L.A. Woman (1971)
Schmilsson - Harry Nilsson (1971)
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars - David Bowie (1972)
In It For The Money - Supergrass (1997)
Oh Me Oh My; Aretha Live in Philly, 1972 - Aretha Franklin (2007)
Sweetheart of the Sun - The Bangles (2011)
Brothers -The Black Keys (2010)
Electra Heart - Marina and the Diamonds (2012)
Channel Orange - Frank Ocean (2012)
Drunk - Thundercat (2017)
In recent years, Cooper Black has become a favourite of the fashion industry, with brands like Chanel, Commes Des Garçons and Lazy Oaf incorporating it into their designs. However, its timeless style and status as pop culture's favourite font can only be credited from its role within the music industry.
For more about the history and success of Cooper Black check out this video: