Call Cobbs Jr. facts for kids

Harvey Call Cobbs Jr. (born January 30, 1911 – died September 21, 1971) was an American musician. He was a talented jazz pianist, electric harpsichordist, and organist. People remember him most for his work with the famous saxophonist Albert Ayler. They played together in the mid-1960s.

Call Cobbs' Early Life

Call Cobbs was born in Urbana, Ohio. His parents were Harvey Call Cobbs Sr. and Ethel Hill Cobbs. His father, known as Harry, worked as a church janitor. When Cobbs was young, he helped the blind pianist Art Tatum. Later, Cobbs played music with Billie Holiday. He also joined Wardell Gray's band, replacing Hampton Hawes.

Cobbs' Musical Journey

In 1954, Cobbs worked with alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges. They recorded music together. At that time, John Coltrane was also part of Hodges' band. Cobbs also studied a special way of writing music called the Schillinger System.

He is best known for playing with Albert Ayler. Ayler was a free jazz saxophonist. Cobbs played piano, rocksichord, and electronic organ with Ayler. They performed live and made many recordings from 1964 to 1970. Cobbs also helped Ayler by writing down his music. He was also Ayler's musical director.

A Sad Event

On November 25, 1970, Albert Ayler's body was found. It was floating in the East River in New York City. Call Cobbs was asked to identify Ayler's body.

Call Cobbs' Death

Call Cobbs died on September 21, 1971. He was involved in a hit and run accident. He passed away at Jacobi Medical Center in The Bronx. Cobbs was 60 years old when he died.

Call Cobbs' Music Albums

Here are some of the albums Call Cobbs played on:

With Albert Ayler

• Swing Low Sweet Spiritual (1964)
• Spirits Rejoice (1965)
• Love Cry (1967)
• New Grass (1969)
• Nuits de la Fondation Maeght Vols. 1 & 2 (1970)
• Holy Ghost: Rare & Unissued Recordings (1962–70) (2004)
• Live on the Riviera (2005)

With John Coltrane

• First Giant Steps. Rare Live Recordings

With Johnny Hodges

• The Blues (1952–54)
• Used to Be Duke (1954)

With Jack McVea

• Two Timin' Baby

With Jimmy Rushing

• 1946–1953