[2] Cohn started playing in small groups around the city with King Fleming while he was still a teenager.

After his stint in the military, Cohn joined the Saunders group at the Capitol Lounge in Chicago; Leon Washington had recommended him.

Cohn was featured on Saunders' first recordings as a leader, for Savoy, Sultan, and (behind Big Joe Turner) on National.

Cohn survived several downsizings of the Red Saunders band, as well as the closure of the Club DeLisa, but eventually accepted an offer from Count Basie, with whom he worked from 1960 through 1984.

[2][6][1] His funeral was held on November 11, 2006, and he was buried at Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois.