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Aaron Cohen

@aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social
604 followers 385 following 254 posts

Author of "Amazing Grace" (33 1/3; Bloomsbury), "Move On Up: Chicago Soul Music and Black Cultural Power" (University of Chicago Press) and co-author of Ramsey Lewis' memoir, "Gentleman Of Jazz: A Life In Music" (Blackstone)

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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 20h
One of the fun things about talking about ancient Greece with my students is bringing up words that they usually don't encounter in conversation, many are new to me. Every semester is a new one and this term it's from James Romm's "Plato And The Tyrant": Enneakaieikosikaieptakosioplasiakis
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Born 100 years ago today. One of the greatest spiritual messengers to arrive in our world. And one of America's most heroic romantics. www.youtube.com/watch?v=r594...
youtube.com
John Coltrane - In A Sentimental Mood
YouTube video by ColtraneNCashSongs
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Great article by Erica Thompson in today's Sun-Times about Donald Gay & Steven Dolins' wonderful new book: chicago.suntimes.com/2026/09/22/o...
chicago.suntimes.com
New book profiles an overlooked Chicago gospel trio, who played with Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke
In the 1950s and ‘60s, the Gay Sisters worked with some of the biggest names in music. Now, they are getting their due in “Can I Get a Witness! Faith, Family and Chicago Gospel Music,” co-written by t...
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Looking forward to seeing Leo Sacks' documentary, "A Taste Of Heaven: The Heartbreak Life of Raymond Myles," which will be a part of Chicago's Reeling Film Festival on Sunday, Sept. 26. See why Myles has been described as "The Gospel Genius Of New Orleans": reeling2026.eventive.org/films/6a6cfc...
reeling2026.eventive.org
Reeling 2026: The 44th Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I spoke with Branford Marsalis about his upcoming John Coltrane tribute with Dianne Reeves at Chicago's Symphony Center: cso.org/experience/a...
cso.org
Marsalis and Reeves put their own distinct take on a John Coltrane tribute | Chicago Symphony Orchestra
For a centennial tribute to jazz great John Coltrane, Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves chose a different side of Trane to highlight on their disc "Dedicated to You."
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
It was a gut punch to get the news that Lonnie Bunch III is resigning from the Smithsonian after numerous attacks from the criminals occupying the White House. Taking this one personally as Dr. Bunch was one of my late father's scholarly heroes.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Great points here, but it should be added that it was the U.S. State Department in the 1930s that blocked more Jewish refugees from settling in Haiti: forward.com/opinion/8480...
forward.com
Haiti saved Jewish lives then. Our silence is not an option now.
As the U.S. government begins deporting Haitians back to danger, Jews must remember when Haiti did not turn its back.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Come out to Chicago's Nighthawk on Saturday for this epic DJ showdown!
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
A fantastic guitarist and a genuinely brilliant, kind and humble person—while I wish Jeff Parker still lived here in Chicago, he's doing amazing work in California. Here's a little story I wrote about him: downbeat.com/news/detail/...
downbeat.com
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Drove through a thunderstorm for a screening of "Sunset Boulevard" only to learn of it being sold out by the time we reached the box office (my bad for not buying tickets in advance). Especially bummed out since my Halloween costume is Erich von Stroheim.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Tune in to the "Mixtape Show" on WNUR (wnur.org) on Tuesday, Aug. 11, from noon-2pm (CST) when I'll honor Johnny Pate. Spinning his own trio and orchestral records and the albums he created for The Impressions, Curtis Mayfield, B.B. King, Peabo Bryson, his film soundtracks and so much more.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
The amazing Jaki Byard is now in the DownBeat Hall Of Fame. Here's a little article I wrote about him for the magazine to commemorate this achievement: downbeat.com/news/detail/...
downbeat.com
Jaki Byard: Hall of Fame, Veterans Committee
When Jaki Byard played the piano he commanded its entire history through his fingertips. He may not have been not the only jazz legend with such omniscience, but no other drew on that continuum in oft...
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Yesterday I told a group of students that the most famous person who was ever involved in Chicago's music industry is a man who had a summer job at Mercury Records back when he was known as Bobby Prevost.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Guitarist Bobby Broom released "Notes Of Thanks," his tribute to his mentor and former bandleader Sonny Rollins shortly before the jazz giant's passing. Here's what he had to say about the album in an interview I conducted with him for DownBeat: downbeat.com/news/detail/...
downbeat.com
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
When I was younger, I thought the guy singing Steely Dan's "Hey Nineteen" was a weird old dude. Today I realized I'm easily old enough to be his dad.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
The United States celebrated its bicentennial shortly after losing a war and that will likely be the case as it marks its 250th next month. Since I doubt I'll be alive in 2076, I won't have to learn the language of our new victorious overlords.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
I had a wonderful telephone conversation with Ran Blake a week ago and his spirits are strong but this wonderful musician and scholar needs our help: www.gofundme.com/f/help-ran-b...
gofundme.com
Donate to Help Ran Blake, a Musical Pioneer, with Medical Costs, organized by sara serpa
Ran Blake is 91 years old, battling cancer and other serious health i… sara serpa needs your support for Help Ran Blake, a Musical Pioneer, with Medical Costs
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
If I had thought of this months ago, I would have compiled a "List Of 250 Songs That Show What America Is Really All About." Of course, it would include artists who I've celebrated for years, but more than a few I haven't mentioned. Like this one: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqwr...
youtube.com
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Curtis Mayfield's classic soundtrack to "Superfly" never sounded better than it does on the recent 180-gram vinyl Rhino High Fidelity edition. Along with the AAA cut from the original stereo master tapes, I was honored to write the new liner notes. store.rhino.com/products/sup...
store.rhino.com
Superfly (Rhino High Fidelity)
SUPERFLY (RHINO HIGH FIDELITY) AAA Cut From The Original Stereo Master Tapes By Kevin GrayPressed On 180-Gram Heavyweight Vinyl At OptimalHeavyweight Glossy Gatefold JacketFeatures An Exclusive Insert...
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Happy Birthday, Curtis Mayfield! Your message is eternal. www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CM2...
youtube.com
Curtis Mayfield live: We Got to Have Peace
YouTube video by StoptheWarCoalition
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
I miss Benny Golson.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Hoping that this daughter of Chicago soul becomes the next governor of Georgia: www.keishaforgovernor.com
keishaforgovernor.com
Keisha Lance Bottoms for Georgia Governor
Join Keisha Lance Bottoms in building a stronger, more united Georgia. Proven leadership, bold action, and a vision for opportunity, equity, and progress for every Georgian.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Scene: A record store in Chicago. Cashier: Have a good day. Customer: I'm in a record store and I'm buying albums. My day is not going to get any better than this.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
One of my favorite academic journals, The Langston Hughes Review, just published its issue focused on Gil Scott-Heron. For this edition, I interviewed the Chicago poet and performer who is keeping his spirit alive: Marvin Tate. Here's an abstract: scholarlypublishingcollective.org/psup/langsto...
scholarlypublishingcollective.org
Marvin Tate: Becoming The Wizard
Marvin Tate (b. 1959) fired up Chicago’s spoken-word and musical scenes as the leader of the group D-Settlement during the 1990s. As he described characters from his city’s neighborhoods or offered br...
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Carlos Flores has been a superstar in his advocacy for Latin American culture, especially Puerto Rican culture, in Chicago for more than 50 years. Now he needs all of our help as he's battling serious health issues. www.gofundme.com/f/support-ca...
gofundme.com
Donate to Support Carlos Flores, fighting Parkinson’s, organized by Lucy Gomez Feliciano
Elida Cruz, Jorge Felix, Hilda Frontany, Lucy Gomez-Feliciano, Laura… Lucy Gomez Feliciano needs your support for Support Carlos Flores, fighting Parkinson’s
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Shocked and horrified to hear this news about Hawk who possesses a beautiful voice and and even more beautiful heart. He has a big place in the Chicago music scene and desperately needs all of our help. www.gofundme.com/f/support-ha...
gofundme.com
Donate to Support Hawk’s Healing Journey, organized by Jessica Romanowski
Hawk is an exceptional, loving human with a beautiful, generous spirit. As a musicia… Jessica Romanowski needs your support for Support Hawk’s Healing Journey
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
I am incredibly excited to see this book coming out in September. Rev. Donald Gay and his late sister Geraldine Gay have meant the world to me and the Gay Family played an incredible part in the gospel legacy and Chicago history. Bonus: Foreword by a jazz legend. press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
press.uchicago.edu
Can I Get a Witness!
The remarkable story of pastor Donald Gay and his family’s lasting contributions to gospel music and Chicago culture.When the preacher Gregory Donald Gay joined his sisters onstage at Carnegie Hall in...
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
One can't say enough about all the amazing things that Mike Reed does for Chicago music. But here are a few words I wrote about his upcoming Symphony Center performance. cso.org/experience/a...
cso.org
With Magic Box tribute, Mike Reed makes something new out of the past | Chicago Symphony Orchestra
After obtaining papers that belonged to the late Fred Hopkins (1947-1999), drummer-composer Mike Reed decided to salute the bassist's legacy with a program he's dubbed The Magic Box.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
So apparently two athletes are fighting over the right to the "Iceman" name. They should both sit down as that name will forever belong to this man.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Spring break in Chicago means brunch with soul great Jackie Ross. Why be anywhere else?
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Indeed, many funny things can be found on the Internet. But nothing as hilarious as this bullshit.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Yngwie is actually more articulate than the main advocate for the similarly named "Operation Epic Fury." www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1xT...
youtube.com
😂Yngwie: You released the fucking fury!
YouTube video by Pepe
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Thank you, Lisa Fielding and WBBM for asking me to speak about Chicago's crucial Vee-Jay Records in an interview conducted at Overflow Coffee in Vee-Jay's former headquarters at 1449 S. Michigan Ave.: www.audacy.com/wbbm780/news...
audacy.com
Black History Month: Chicago's own Vee-Jay Records
Vee Jay Records, the groundbreaking Black-owned label that once held the Beatles, The Four Seasons, and legendary soul and blues artists. WBBM’s Lisa Fielding takes us inside what once was its headqua...
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Illinoisans: Please contact your state representative, state senator, and Gov JB to help pass this bill requiring Illinois schools to teach Latin American studies. Few things are as crucial as learning more—actually, learning the basics—about this hemisphere we share. www.yahoo.com/news/article...
yahoo.com
New bill requires Illinois schools to teach Latin American history and culture
A new proposal in the Illinois House would require all public elementary and high schools to teach a unit on the contributions of Latin Americans to the development of the United States.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
For all my Wright College colleagues and for all students: Here's an upcoming event where I can guarantee the music will be great.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Tyrone Washington looking so frickin' cool in this Francis Wolff photo.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
Brilliant words from the always astute (and now Grammy nominated) Adam Shatz: www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
lrb.co.uk
Adam Shatz · Another Country: Visions of America
America is a ‘battlefield’, Simone de Beauvoir wrote, ‘and you can only become passionate about the battle it is...
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
New semester, new coffee mug.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
I've always enjoyed the music on the Arbors label. It's traditional, old school jazz that's always played with a great sense of spirit and joy. So it's not surprising that one of its artists, vibraphonist/drummer Chuck Redd, has become a hero for our time.
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Reposted by Aaron Cohen
A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs @500songspodcast.bsky.social · 25/12/2025
You’d better watch out! A very special Christmas bonus episode just dropped! 🎅🎁 A thirty-six minute delve into "Silent Night Chant", by Rotary Connection. Sign up to the Patreon to listen: www.patreon.com/posts/146619...
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Professor: Which browser do you use, Firefox or Chrome? Student: Chrome. Nobody uses Firefox. Except for ... teachers... Professor: Yeah, I know you meant to say "old people."
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
The brilliant jazz singer Paul Marinaro majestically interprets Duke Ellington's compositions for his new "Mood Ellington." Along with Marinaro's 9-piece band (plus string section), 13 top arrangers add their orchestrations. It was an honor to write its liner notes. originarts.com/recordings/r...
originarts.com
Paul Marinaro Mood Ellington (Origin 82937)
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 06/12/2025
Professor: Wrapping up the semester, does anybody have any overarching questions? Student: If the Aztec gods were so powerful, how come they didn't stop the Spanish colonizers? Professor: Don't assume the war is over.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Next time you need style advice, turn to students' comments on the Rate My Professors web site.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
The Chicago Reader's Best of Chicago nominations are out today and in the category of Best Radio DJ is the one and only Mr. Jimmy himself: James Porter! Vote online here: chicagoreader.com/best-of-chic...
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
At 83 years old, this man performed in Chicago last night for three hours, played six different instruments, and sang in a voice that turned a bit of fragility into immense emotional weight. May all of you love what you do as much as he clearly does.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
Most of my students recognize the woman on the left, none of them recognize the woman on the right. Both were wonderful artists but there would not have been a Selena if Lydia did not build that road.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
I've been speaking to my class about Fania Records but I'm not sure which T-shirt I should wear.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
No school today because of the Veterans Day holiday, but I talked to my class yesterday about the heroic all-Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment (The Borinqueneers) who bravely served in both World Wars and in Korea—only to be wrongfully maligned by the military's top brass.
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Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
It's ludicrous when a newspaper publishes a piece that implies what a politician studied in college determines how that person will govern (ex.: New York Times). I was an English lit major but no h.r. department believed that I would use the office break room to re-enact Chaucer's "Miller's Tale."
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