Name: Thomas Bradley Cotter "Brad"
Birthdate: September 29, 1970
Family: Father: Greg Cotter (Pastor)
Brothers: Brent
& Blake Cotter
Birthplace: Opelika, Alabama
Current Home: Nashville, TN
Height: 5'9"
Hair: Brown w/ Blond Highlights
Eyes: Green
Favorite Food: ALL Food!
Sport: College Football
Favorite Football Team: Auburn Tigers
Favorite Color: Blue
Musical Influences: Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Percy Sledge, Waylon
Jennings, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard
Instruments: Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums
Hobbies: Fishing; Racing Cars and Motorcycles; Hunting; Skiing; Sky-diving;
Mountain Biking
Hidden Talents: None that can be discussed in "mixed company."
Story Behind the Song: "I Meant To" - "I walked into Rick Giles' office
(late as usual), to write. The first words out of my mouth were 'I meant to call you and tell you I'd be late, but as you
know, I don't carry a cell phone and I forgot before I left my house. Hell, I meant to do a lot of things.' Steve and Rick
said, 'That's what we're writing about.'"
Winning Quote: "This has been a long strange trip. I wouldn't take
anything for the ride. All the memories, both good and bad, will be cherished for a lifetime. I'm living proof that God has
a plan for his children and no man can change His will."
Brad is a singer/songwriter who has been touring and recording since the age of 11. Between the ages of
11 and 17, he recorded five gospel albums, two of which were recorded on major labels. He is single and resides in Nashville,
where he has been making a living for the past eight years as a freelance demo singer and songwriter, writing songs for Warner/Chappell
and EMI Music. He has been turned down by every label in Nashville at least four times. Brad has won a few talent contests
over the years, and has learned to play piano, guitar, drums, and bass. His biggest musical influences include Otis Redding,
Marvin Gaye, Percy Sledge, Eric Clapton, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard.
PERSONAL STATEMENT: "I think the fact that my dad is a preacher and I grew up singing in
church has always made me want to sing songs that touch people. Music is not only my life, it's my soulmate. I love to laugh
and experience new things, and I feel that life is way too short to take it too seriously. That's why I'm doing Nashville
Star - I think it's going to be a lot of fun."
