Birth

:

November 24, 1925 in New York City, NY

Death

:

February 15, 1988 in Stroudsburg, PA

 

Al Cohn was a renowned jazz saxophonist, arranger, and composer who made significant contributions to the world of music. He was born on November 24, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which influenced his interest in music from a young age. Cohn started playing the saxophone when he was 14 years old and quickly became proficient in the instrument. He was a self-taught musician who learned by listening to recordings of jazz greats such as Lester Young and Coleman Hawkins. Cohn's early influences were evident in his playing style, which was characterized by a smooth, lyrical sound and a melodic approach to improvisation. In the 1940s, Cohn began his professional career as a musician, playing in various big bands and small groups. He played with the bands of Joe Marsala, Georgie Auld, and Alvino Rey before joining the Woody Herman Orchestra in 1949. Cohn's tenure with the Herman band was a significant period in his career, as he became one of the band's primary soloists and arrangers. He also formed a close musical partnership with fellow saxophonist Zoot Sims, with whom he would collaborate throughout his career. Cohn's work with the Herman band was highly regarded, and he received critical acclaim for his arrangements and solos. He was also recognized for his contributions to the band's hit recording of "Early Autumn," which featured Cohn's arrangement and tenor saxophone solo. The recording became a jazz standard and remains one of Cohn's most famous works. After leaving the Herman band in 1950, Cohn continued to work as a freelance musician, playing with various groups and recording sessions. He also began to focus more on his career as an arranger and composer, writing music for television and film. In the 1950s, he worked on several television shows, including The Steve Allen Show and The Phil Silvers Show, and wrote music for films such as The Wild One and The Man with the Golden Arm. In the 1960s, Cohn continued to work as a freelance musician and arranger, collaborating with artists such as Benny Goodman, Miles Davis, and Sonny Rollins. He also recorded several albums as a bandleader, including The Al Cohn Quintet Featuring Bobby Brookmeyer and The Al Cohn-Zoot Sims Quintet. These recordings showcased Cohn's skills as a composer and arranger, as well as his ability to lead a group of talented musicians. Cohn's career continued to flourish in the 1970s and 1980s, as he continued to record and perform with various groups. He also became a respected jazz educator, teaching at the Manhattan School of Music and the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Cohn's teaching style was highly regarded, and he was known for his ability to inspire and mentor young musicians. Throughout his career, Cohn received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to jazz music. In 1988, he was inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame, and in 1990, he received the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award. These honors recognized Cohn's significant contributions to the world of jazz and his influence on generations of musicians. Cohn's legacy as a musician, arranger, and composer continues to be felt in the world of jazz. His smooth, lyrical playing style and melodic approach to improvisation have influenced countless musicians, and his arrangements and compositions remain popular among jazz enthusiasts.

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