Al Cobine

Jazz legend Al Cobine (March 25, 1927 - May 21, 2009) was one of the pre-eminent band leaders in the country in the 1960's and 70's.

Cobine had earned an undergraduate degree from Earlham College and a Master's from the University of Cincinnati before coming to Bloomington with plans to earn a doctorate in political science. He first formed a band in the fall of 1956 and by 1961, it was named “best of the new dance bands” by the American Federation of Musicians. A skilled manager, Cobine would often organize full orchestras using local musicians, to back artists such as Henry Mancini, Johnny Mathis, and Andy Williams.

In later years he was able to put his policital knowledge to use by serving on the Monroe County Council for two terms.

Cobine was married to the former Marian Brown and they had three children.