Porky Cohen

Best-known for his years as trombonist with Roomful of Blues, Porky Cohen finally had his recording debut as a leader in 1996, a highly enjoyable outing for Bullseye Blues with many of the members of the group. He started playing trombone at 13 and considers Jack Teagarden his most important early influence. Cohen worked local engagements from age 15 and took lessons from Miff Mole after graduating from high school in 1941. After a tryout with Benny Goodman, Cohen played with Tony Pastor's band, Charlie Barnet (off and on during 1943-1948), the Casa Loma Orchestra, Lucky Millinder, Tommy Dorsey, Boyd Raeburn, Artie Shaw (1949-1950), with a variety of Dixieland bands in the 1950s, Bob Wilber & the Six, and the Jewels of Dixie (from the late '50s to the late '70s). Porky Cohen was a strong asset to Roomful of Blues from 1979-1986 before choosing to semi-retire. Cohen passed away on April 14, 2004.