Johnny Coles (1926–1997) was an American trumpeter who helped shape the sound of jazz throughout the 1950s and 1960s in several stellar ensembles.Johnny Coles
Coles grew up in Philadelphia and taught himself on trumpet. A natural talent, he initially found himself at home in R&B groups. But later he joined Gil Evans’ Orchestra, and also graced the Charles Mingus Sextet in the mid 1960s alongside Clifford Jordan and Eric Dolphy. Coles was a prized sideman, and he enjoyed stints with Herbie Hancock and Duke Ellington. As a leader Coles recorded sessions for Blue Note, Epic and Mainstream, displaying an easy dexterity and rich soulful tone.
