Johnny Coles
b. 3 July 1926, Trenton, New Jersey, USA. A self-taught trumpet and flugelhorn player, Coles joined John Coltrane and Red Garlandin Eddie Cleanhead Vinson's band in 1949, and then went on to work with Philly Joe Jones, Bull Moose Jackson, and James Moody in the '50s. After performing and recording with the Gil Evans Orchestra (1958-64), he toured with the Charles Mingus Workshop, recorded with Duke Pearson and Astrud Gilberto, and joined Herbie Hancockin 1968. Since then Coles has graced the big bands of Ray Charles(1969-84), Duke Ellington(1971-74), and Count Basie (1984-86) with his warm and lyrical style. He now lives in San Francisco.