Johnny Coles

Johnny Coles stood out as a trumpeter whose piercing, individual tone allowed him to convey substantial expression through minimal phrases. Early in his career he worked in prominent R&B ensembles led by Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson from 1948 to 1951, Bull Moose Jackson in 1952, and Earl Bostic from 1955 to 1956, after which he joined James Moody’s ensemble for the period 1956-1958. Between 1958 and 1964 he contributed to multiple recordings by Gil Evans. His most notable tenure came with the 1964 Charles Mingus Sextet during its European tour, a lineup that also featured Eric Dolphy, Clifford Jordan, Jaki Byard, and Dannie Richmond. Footage of Coles matching the caliber of these musicians survives on a Shanachie video of a European television broadcast, although illness forced him to depart midway through the itinerary. Subsequent engagements included Herbie Hancock’s sextet from 1968 to 1969, Ray Charles’s organization from 1969 to 1971, Duke Ellington’s orchestra from 1971 to 1974, a brief stint with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers in 1976, Dameronia, Mingus Dynasty, and the Count Basie band under Thad Jones from 1985 to 1986, yet widespread recognition remained beyond his reach. Over time he directed his own recording dates for Epic, Blue Note, Mainstream, and ultimately Criss Cross, before succumbing to cancer.