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Kelan Phil Cohran
1927 - 2017
Kelan Phil Cohran
1927 - 2017
Obituary
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BORN
1927
DIED
2017
Kelan Phil Cohran Obituary
His son Tycho told the Chicago Tribune that his father died Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at the University of Chicago Hospital.
Cohran was born May 8, 1927, in Mississippi and grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He played trumpet in a band led by Jay McShann and then played in a U.S. Navy band while serving in the military.
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After his service, Cohran moved to Chicago. In the late 1950s, Cohran joined up with the legendary Sun Ra and His Arkestra. He played with the groundbreaking experimental jazz band from 1959 to 1961. His trumpet playing was featured on the records “Fate in a Pleasant Mood” and “Angels and Demons at Play.”
When Sun Ra moved to New York City, Cohran stayed in Chicago. He had a significant impact on music development. In 1965, he co-founded the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. The nonprofit organization has helped influence and cultivate musicians all over the globe. He also helped create the influential Artistic Heritage Ensemble with Pete Cosey.
Cohran started the Afro-Arts Theater in Chicago. One of his students was Maurice White, who would go on to become the leader of Earth, Wind, and Fire. Cohran invented an instrument that he called the frankiphone, which was used on some of Sun Ra’s early albums. The instrument is also known as the space harp. White incorporated a version of the frankiphone in the music of Earth, Wind, and Fire.
“I think he had a profound influence on many organized groups,” AACM co-founder Muhal Richard Abrams told the Chicago Tribune. “They more or less cut their teeth in Chicago, and their major influence was Phil Cohran.”
Cohran continued to perform and record; his latest album, “Singles,” was released in 2007. His eight sons carry on his legacy with their nine-member band, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.
28 Entries
December 12, 2019
Please visit the tribute website at
http://www.PhilCohran.com
A caring Neighbor
July 31, 2017
Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family of Kelan Phil. May you cherish the beautiful smiles Kelan Phil brought to everyone with the fondness of his music. We will always remember his legacy of fine music. May you continue to throw all your anxieties in prayer on the Almighty because he cares deeply for you.
Chris Bell
July 21, 2017
I just heard the sad news of this man who had such a huge presence is no longer with us. I had the pleasure of knowing Phil the last 10 years. I own the local music store in Rogers Park and it's been more than a minute since I've seen him. He always had great stories and the kindest smile. I would tease him about not being so strict with his students and he would give me that sideways look. I never met any of his children but he never missed an opportunity to tell me how proud he was of you all! I am just crushed that I didn't get to say good bye. Please inform me if there will be a memorial of any sort. He will be very missed at Flatts and Sharpe. [email protected]
July 18, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing our love ones is never easy but may the love of people that surrounds you soften your grief. And may you find comfort and peace in drawing closer to God in prayer during this difficult time.
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Shari Gladney
July 10, 2017
My utmost condolences to the Cohran family. I went to Horace Mann Elementary School with his children and I took clarinet training from him later in high school. Very very patient teacher
July 10, 2017
My condolences to the Cohran Family for the loss of your dear father, other relative and friend ~ Kelan. May you continue to be blessed with his memory and legacy and may your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together as you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many (Daniel 12:13) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
July 8, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing our love ones is never easy but may the love of people that surrounds you soften your grief. And may you find comfort and peace in drawing closer to God in prayer during this difficult time.
Tony Dozier
July 6, 2017
Phil blessed each and everyone he taught.
My condolences to the family.
July 6, 2017
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
July 5, 2017
My deepest condolences for the loss of such a talented man that was able to touch so many lives. Many people will continue to remember him fondly and his impact on their lives. Also remember that during this difficult time you can rely on our all powerful Heavenly Father for strength. He wants to help you and provide you with comfort. Turn to him in prayer.
July 4, 2017
Truly saddened to hear about Kelan Cohran's passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! (Luke23:43)
g b
July 3, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family for your loss.Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years,and if because of special mightiness they are 80 years.He was very special indeed!!!
Ida O'Neal-Reed
July 3, 2017
I had the privilege and honor to meet this great artist. He did a presentation to my class where he showed us the instrument he had created. He performed at our school, Corliss, with his band and also where a number of his children attended.
Prayers go out to the family from the Corliss Family.
Lavon Pettis
July 3, 2017
July 3, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
July 3, 2017
Deepest condolences to the Cohran family along with fans.
July 3, 2017
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
July 3, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
July 3, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of this artistic mogul on their great loss. God will comfort and sustain you during this difficult time because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6,7)
H Powell
July 2, 2017
To the family and friends of Phil. My name is Herb Powell and I had the honor of co-writing with Maurice White (EW&F) his memoir.
It is said once you drop the pebble in the stream you never know how far it rings will go. Phil's mentorship with Maurice is a part of the world-wide legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire. May your family find comfort and acceptance. And I know for sure he's flying high with the Angels.
Herb Powell/Los Angeles
DS
July 2, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Joanne
July 2, 2017
To the family and friends please accept my condolences may the God of all comfort feel your pain and sorrow. Isaiah 61:1,2 Reads He sent me (Jesus Christ) to bind up the broken hearted and to comfort all who mourn.
M. W.
July 2, 2017
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
July 2, 2017
Sincere condolences to family and friends. Job well done Mr. Cohran!
Rhonda, MD
Phillips
July 2, 2017
My prayers are with the family,friends and fans of Kelan Phil Cohran as we remember the gifts and love he shared with his family of art lovers
May God grant you the peace needed during this time as we wait until the time when death and pain will be no more
Blizard W.
July 2, 2017
May you cherish the wonderful smiles Phil brought to everyone with the appreciation of his music. Through music he was able to give expression to his emotions, his sorrows and joys. May we now use his wonder tunes which is a gift from our Creator and give praise to our Almighty Heavenly Father of tender mercies knowing that he promises us a world where we will be back with our beloved ones that are gone only for a brief moment. (Isa. 26:19)
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