He was best known for playing trumpet in the Sun Ra Arkestra in Chicago from 1959 to 1961, and for his involvement in the foundation of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM).
He formed the Artistic Heritage Ensemble with Pete Cosey, future members of Earth, Wind and Fire's horn section and Motown percussionist "Master" Henry Gibson, among others.
This instrument inspired Maurice White to use an electrified Kalimba in performance with Earth, Wind and Fire.
[4] Cohran said that he taught White and his brothers music in their youth, much as The Wailers were tutored by Joe Higgs.
Several of Cohran's sons make up eight of the nine members of the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, which consists of four trumpets, two trombones, one euphonium, a sousaphone and drums.