Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 20hOne 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 110
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Born 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.comJohn Coltrane - In A Sentimental MoodYouTube video by ColtraneNCashSongs 063
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 22/09/2026Great 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.comNew book profiles an overlooked Chicago gospel trio, who played with Mahalia Jackson and Sam CookeIn 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... 020
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Looking 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.orgReeling 2026: The 44th Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival 030
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 16/09/2026I spoke with Branford Marsalis about his upcoming John Coltrane tribute with Dianne Reeves at Chicago's Symphony Center: cso.org/experience/a...cso.orgMarsalis and Reeves put their own distinct take on a John Coltrane tribute | Chicago Symphony OrchestraFor 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." 000
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 08/09/2026It 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. 020
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 02/09/2026Great 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.comHaiti 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. 010
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 27/08/2026Come out to Chicago's Nighthawk on Saturday for this epic DJ showdown! 120
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 26/08/2026A 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 020
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 10/08/2026Drove 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. 030
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 04/08/2026Tune 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. 020
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 17/07/2026The 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.comJaki Byard: Hall of Fame, Veterans CommitteeWhen 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... 040
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 08/07/2026Yesterday 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. 2246
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 08/07/2026Guitarist 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 031
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 23/06/2026When 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. 020
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 21/06/2026The 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. 110
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 18/06/2026I 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.comDonate to Help Ran Blake, a Musical Pioneer, with Medical Costs, organized by sara serpaRan 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 000
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 17/06/2026If 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 010
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 05/06/2026Curtis 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.comSuperfly (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... 050
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 03/06/2026Happy Birthday, Curtis Mayfield! Your message is eternal. www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CM2...youtube.comCurtis Mayfield live: We Got to Have PeaceYouTube video by StoptheWarCoalition 011
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 20/05/2026Hoping that this daughter of Chicago soul becomes the next governor of Georgia: www.keishaforgovernor.comkeishaforgovernor.comKeisha Lance Bottoms for Georgia GovernorJoin 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. 010
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 18/05/2026Scene: 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. 001
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 06/05/2026One 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.orgMarvin Tate: Becoming The WizardMarvin 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... 072
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 01/05/2026Carlos 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.comDonate to Support Carlos Flores, fighting Parkinson’s, organized by Lucy Gomez FelicianoElida Cruz, Jorge Felix, Hilda Frontany, Lucy Gomez-Feliciano, Laura… Lucy Gomez Feliciano needs your support for Support Carlos Flores, fighting Parkinson’s 100
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 24/04/2026Shocked 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.comDonate to Support Hawk’s Healing Journey, organized by Jessica RomanowskiHawk is an exceptional, loving human with a beautiful, generous spirit. As a musicia… Jessica Romanowski needs your support for Support Hawk’s Healing Journey 010
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 08/04/2026I 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.eduCan 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... 010
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 02/04/2026One 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.orgWith Magic Box tribute, Mike Reed makes something new out of the past | Chicago Symphony OrchestraAfter 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. 000
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 27/03/2026So 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. 031
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 24/03/2026Spring break in Chicago means brunch with soul great Jackie Ross. Why be anywhere else? 030
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 09/03/2026Indeed, many funny things can be found on the Internet. But nothing as hilarious as this bullshit. 010
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 04/03/2026Yngwie 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 000
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 13/02/2026Thank 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.comBlack History Month: Chicago's own Vee-Jay RecordsVee 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... 0135
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 13/02/2026Illinoisans: 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.comNew bill requires Illinois schools to teach Latin American history and cultureA 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. 000
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 06/02/2026For all my Wright College colleagues and for all students: Here's an upcoming event where I can guarantee the music will be great. 030
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 29/01/2026Tyrone Washington looking so frickin' cool in this Francis Wolff photo. 020
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 27/01/2026Brilliant words from the always astute (and now Grammy nominated) Adam Shatz: www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...lrb.co.ukAdam Shatz · Another Country: Visions of AmericaAmerica is a ‘battlefield’, Simone de Beauvoir wrote, ‘and you can only become passionate about the battle it is... 000
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 30/12/2025I'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. 020
Reposted by Aaron CohenA History of Rock Music in 500 Songs @500songspodcast.bsky.social · 25/12/2025You’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... 4328
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 09/12/2025Professor: 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." 110
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 08/12/2025The 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.comPaul Marinaro Mood Ellington (Origin 82937) 040
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 06/12/2025Professor: 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. 020
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 03/12/2025Next time you need style advice, turn to students' comments on the Rate My Professors web site. 040
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 01/12/2025The 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... 072
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 26/11/2025At 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. 060
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 20/11/2025Most 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. 040
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 16/11/2025I've been speaking to my class about Fania Records but I'm not sure which T-shirt I should wear. 060
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 11/11/2025No 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. 140
Aaron Cohen @aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social · 08/11/2025It'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." 020