Phil Cohran facts for kids

Kelan Phil Cohran (born May 8, 1927, died June 28, 2017) was a talented jazz musician. He was famous for playing the trumpet with the Sun Ra Arkestra in Chicago between 1959 and 1961. He also helped start an important music group called the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM).

Discovering Kelan Phil Cohran's Musical Journey

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Kelan Phil Cohran was born in Oxford, Mississippi, on May 8, 1927. When he was about nine years old, his family moved to Missouri. His father worked as a cook in Troy, while the rest of the family lived in St. Louis.

In the early 1950s, Cohran played the trumpet in bands led by Jay McShann. After that, he joined a band in the U.S. Navy.

Playing with Sun Ra Arkestra

In 1959, John Gilmore introduced Cohran to the Sun Ra Arkestra. This was a very unique and experimental jazz band. Cohran played trumpet with them and sometimes other string instruments like the zither. You can hear his playing on their albums Fate In A Pleasant Mood and Angels and Demons at Play.

In 1961, the Arkestra moved from Chicago. Cohran decided to stay behind.

Starting the AACM and New Bands

In 1965, Cohran helped create the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). This group supported new and creative music.

He then formed his own band called the Artistic Heritage Ensemble. This group included Pete Cosey and future members of Earth, Wind and Fire's horn section. They also had Motown percussionist "Master" Henry Gibson. By this time, Cohran played many instruments. These included the harp, cornet, French horn, baritone saxophone, and percussion. Around 1967, his group recorded the album On the Beach.

Inventing the Space Harp

Early in his career, Cohran invented a special instrument. He called it the Frankiphone or the Space Harp. It was an electric version of an mbira or kalimba. He played it on some of Sun Ra's first albums.

This instrument later inspired Maurice White of Earth, Wind and Fire. White used an electric Kalimba in his band's performances. Cohran mentioned that he taught White and his brothers music when they were young. This was similar to how The Wailers were taught by Joe Higgs. The album On the Beach features the Frankiphone on its title track and a song called "New Frankiphone Blues."

Teaching and Family Legacy

Several of Cohran's sons are part of the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. This band has nine members, including four trumpets, two trombones, a euphonium, a sousaphone, and drums. Kelan Phil Cohran recorded an album with them, combining "my music and their band."

Cohran also taught music and voice to young people and adults. He worked at Northeastern Illinois University's Center for Inner City Studies. He passed away in Chicago on June 28, 2017, at 90 years old.

Kelan Phil Cohran's Music Albums

Albums as a Band Leader

These are albums where Kelan Phil Cohran was the main artist:

• On the Beach (1968)
• Spanish Suite (1968)
• Armageddon (1968)
• The Malcolm X Memorial (1968)
• African Skies (1993) - released as 'Kelan Phil Cohran And Legacy'
• Kelan Philip Cohran And The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble (2012)
• Single (2007)
• White Nile (1993)

Albums as a Guest Musician

These are albums where Kelan Phil Cohran played with Sun Ra:

• Interstellar Low Ways (1959)
• Holiday for Soul Dance (1960)
• Fate in a Pleasant Mood (1960)
• Angels and Demons at Play (1965)

Films Featuring Kelan Phil Cohran's Music

• Skywatchers of Africa (2002) - Cohran composed music for this film.