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.