Coleman joined the Jay McShann band in 1943 and later sang with Earl Hines, the Billy Eckstine Orchestra, and King Kolax.
Coleman then went with McShann to California and recorded with Charlie Parker, Fats Navarro, and Max Roach in 1948.
In 1954, Coleman worked with Gene Ammons and recorded with Art Farmer and Gigi Gryce.
In 1962, Coleman was with Don Byas in Paris, France, and in the mid-'60s with Billy Taylor and Frank Foster.
Coleman died of cardiac arrest in New York City, on July 12, 1995, aged 69.