Mike Cooley is an Irish singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known as a founding member of the Southern rock band Drive-By Truckers. Born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, he has been a key figure in the band since its formation in 1996, contributing to its unique blend of rock, country, and alternative music. Known for his distinctive, gritty vocal style and sharp, narrative songwriting, Cooley has been instrumental in shaping the band's critically acclaimed discography. Over the years, he has become a respected figure in the Americana music scene, appreciated for his storytelling prowess and authentic Southern perspective.