In 1956, tenor saxophonist Al Cobine formed what later became the Al Cobine Big Band and performed in venues large and small, far-away and local, ultimately recording six albums. Cobine also created more than 100 published works he composed or arranged in choral, brass, big band, jazz and concert band music. Cobine was "soloist in residence" for Henry Mancini and performed with virtually every major U.S. symphony. As a music contractor he worked for Perry Como, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Glen Campbell, Tom Jones, Andy Williams, and other household names. He was known for his Bloomington-centric commissioned compositions, such as The Little 500 March and The Hoagy Carmichael Suite. His many awards include the Living Treasure Award for 2007. Cobine was married to Marian Cobine for nearly 60 years, until his death in May 2009. Bob Willard conducted this interview with the Cobines in March of 2000.
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Night Lights: Al Cobine: Another Indiana Jazz Legend Passes Away