Al Cohn
American jazz saxophonist, arranger, and composer.
Alvin Gilbert Cohn, born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 24, 1925, built his reputation as a jazz tenor saxophonist, arranger, and composer. He first gained significant attention while playing in Woody Herman’s band, and he became especially well known for his long-running musical collaboration with fellow saxophonist Zoot Sims.
Beyond performing, Cohn earned wide respect as an arranger. His work included arrangements for the Broadway shows *Raisin'* and *Sophisticated Ladies*, and he wrote arrangements of his own compositions for big bands led by Maynard Ferguson, Gerry Mulligan, Terry Gibbs, and Bob Brookmeyer. He also arranged music for Linda Ronstadt recordings in the 1980s that were never released. In June 1972, Cohn performed onstage with Elvis Presley as part of the Joe Malin Orchestra at Madison Square Garden.
Cohn died of liver cancer in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, on February 15, 1988. His first wife was singer Marilyn Moore. Their son, Joe Cohn, became a jazz guitarist, and Joe’s daughter, Shaye Cohn, plays cornet in the band Tuba Skinny.
- born
- November 24, 1925, Brooklyn, New York
- died
- February 15, 1988, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
- field
- Jazz saxophonist, arranger, composer
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Longtime musical partnership with Zoot Sims; work as arranger for Broadway and big bands
Quick Facts
- Birth Name
- Alvin Gilbert Cohn
- Birth Date
- 1925-11-24
- Birth Place
- Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
- Death Date
- 1988-02-15
- Death Place
- Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
- Genre
- Big band / West coast jazz
- Occupation
- Musician / composer / bandleader
- Instrument
- Tenor saxophone
- Years Active
- 1940s–1980s
- Label
- Savoy / RCA Victor / Coral / Mercury / Xanadu / Concord / Timeless
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Cohn was born in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to his work as a jazz tenor saxophonist, he was widely respected as an arranger. His work included the Broadway productions of Raisin' and Sophisticated Ladies, and his arrangements of his own compositions were recorded by big bands led by Maynard Ferguson, Gerry Mulligan, Terry Gibbs and Bob Brookmeyer. Cohn also arranged for unreleased Linda Ronstadt recordings from the 1980s. In June, 1972, Cohn appeared on stage with Elvis Presley, as a member of the Joe Malin Orchestra at Madison Square Garden. Cohn died of liver cancer in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania in 1988.
Reader's Guide
Al Cohn's significance lies in his dual role as a tenor saxophonist and arranger. As a member of Woody Herman's band, he helped define the 'Four Brothers' sound, and his partnership with Zoot Sims produced numerous recordings over decades. His arranging work extended to Broadway and major big bands, showcasing his versatility. Cohn's discography as a leader and sideman includes collaborations with Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and many others, reflecting his integration into the mainstream of jazz. His legacy is preserved through his recordings and the musical careers of his son, guitarist Joe Cohn, and granddaughter, cornetist Shaye Cohn.
Did You Know?
- Cohn appeared on stage with Elvis Presley in June 1972 as a member of the Joe Malin Orchestra at Madison Square Garden.
- He arranged for unreleased Linda Ronstadt recordings from the 1980s.
- His son, Joe Cohn, is a jazz guitarist, and his granddaughter, Shaye Cohn, plays cornet with the band Tuba Skinny.
- Cohn's first wife was singer Marilyn Moore.
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