[1] Coles spent his early career playing with R&B groups, including those of Eddie Vinson (1948–1951), Bull Moose Jackson (1952), and Earl Bostic (1955–1956).

[1] After this, he spent time with Charles Mingus in his sextet, which also included Eric Dolphy, Clifford Jordan, Jaki Byard, and Dannie Richmond.

[2] Following this he played with Herbie Hancock (1968–1969), Ray Charles (1969–1971), Duke Ellington (1971–1974), Art Blakey (1976), Dameronia, Mingus Dynasty, and the Count Basie Orchestra under the direction of Thad Jones (1985–1986).

[2] In 1985, Coles settled in the San Francisco Bay Area; he recorded with Frank Morgan and Chico Freeman the following year.

[1] With Geri Allen With Tina Brooks With Ray Crawford With Gil Evans With Booker Ervin With Astrud Gilberto With Grant Green With Herbie Hancock With Buck Hill With Etta Jones With Philly Joe Jones Dameronia With Charles Mingus With James Moody With Frank Morgan With Horace Parlan With Duke Pearson With A. K. Salim