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RIP Pauly Cohen, Lead Trumpeter and Big Band Leader

Jazz Video Guy

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Jazz trumpeter and bandleader Pauly Cohen — a diminutive “force of nature” who shared the stage and offstage friendships with the likes of Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie, Jackie Gleason, Quincy Jones, Ava Gardner and Judy Garland — died at his home in Tamarac, Florida Monday night, February 8, 2021. Cohen was 98.

Cohen had tested positive for COVID-19 less than three weeks ago, but appeared to be recovering, according to his friend and fellow musician, Michael Ragan. Cohen had finished a bowl of ice cream just before he died. “He was a force of nature,” Ragan said. “Not only was he a powerful trumpet player, he was a powerful human being.”

I had the honor of producing a documentary about Pauly in 2013, Taking Charge, the Pauly Cohen Story.

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/obi...

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20 Comments

@acedrumminman 5 years ago

Pauly played in my band back in the 80's...he kept us laughing hysterically with his road stories from the Basie and Frank days...what a player.

@donnamarieweinberg9548 5 years ago

How I loved him. He was a big supporter and encourager to all he came in contact with. He is back with his wife in heaven and happy. Thank you Pauly for being my friend. Thank you for for allowing me to sing with your big band. Angel kisses to you.

@wardharrah55 5 years ago

Rest Well Pauly...thank you for all the memories...the world is a little sadder today knowing your not in it...

@Suzy1959 3 weeks ago

THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS WONDEFUL MANS STORY💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

@MrOptomai 5 years ago

Pauly, was the real deal. Especially as a lead player with a lyrical sound and great technique! An amazing man and player.... Bet he had a few stories of the Old Days!!!🎼🎵🎺🎺🎺

@CSMmongoose 5 years ago

RIP

GOD HAS ALL OF THE GREATEST MUSICIANS

@paulcombs-bomuse6172 5 years ago

Thank you, for making me better aware of Pauly’s life and career.

@vaughnnark1733 1 year ago

Beautiful tribute to Pauly. May his magnificent Spirit rest peacefully for eternity 🙏 most respectfully..Vaughn 🎺

@mikefarmer7238 5 years ago

What a great guy! Must have brought pleasure to a lot of people. And I love the documentary. R,.I.P.

@BoomerBrass 5 years ago

I met Pauly a few years back in Florida when every Saturday the musicians would gather at the community center and read charts. When he saw me walk in with my gig bag he said: You think you can just show up with your horn and play with some of these great bands. I said: No I came to listen. After hearing them play a few charts I went out into the hallway to get a drink and a man noticed my trumpet bag and asked if I wANTED TO PLAY? He said you can have my spot! An hour later I was still sight reading charts and never forgot all those men and some women who had probably played thousands of gigs in NY and NJ, Philly and travelling bands!

@thedamndiz2343 5 years ago

Well fuckin done good sir!!! I only wish to live such a vibrant life as Pauly lived. I hope he, Howard, and benny harris are catching up with each other.

@peptropolisWorld 5 years ago (edited)

Liked his quote of, "Playing music keeps you alive and the brain sharp". I'm 68 years old and hope to keep playing and composing music to 98 years old or more, like Pauley Cohen. RIP He sounds a little like the actor, Joe Pesci. I also like how he talked about being more comfortable with Black people than white :) Boy, he was sounding good with the great Count Basie band!