Jimmy Cobb, the influential drummer whose work permeated through some of jazz’s most revered recordings, has passed away. Cobb passed away in his Manhattan home on Sunday from lung cancer, his wife Eleana Tee Cobb confirms.
Throughout his illustrious career, Cobb recorded with masters John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Cannonball Adderly and more. Cobb was perhaps best known for his work on Miles Davis’ seminal record, Kind of Blue.
“Jimmy, you know what to do,” Davis told Cobb before the session. “Just make it sound like it’s floating.”
In addition to his work on Kind of Blue, Cobb played on Davis records Sketches of Spain and In Person Friday and Saturday Nights at the Blackhawk. He was the last surviving member of the considered Miles Davis’ First Great Sextet. A title he held for nearly three decades.
Born James Wilbur Cobb on January 20th 1929. Cobb decided in his teenage years to pursue a career in drumming. After working as a busboy in northwest Washington, D.C., he saved up enough money to buy a drum set, and began professionally pursuing the craft, playing with Billie Holiday and Symphony Sid.
“I figured it was something I’d like to do,” said Cobb, “and when I learned enough to do it, I figured that would be what I would do for the rest of my life.”
Cobb first recorded as a bandleader in 1983, releasing So Nobody Else Can Hear. The musician continued to release records as recently as last year, where he performed on This I Dig of You and Cobb’s Pocket.
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“He was a very special and unusual person – a gifted musician with natural talent, like an athlete. And a gifted human being with a great, happy personality,” shared wife Eleana.
“He played all around the world. He was vibrant up until the end,” she said. “It’s a big deal that he’s gone. It’s very painful. I’m a little bit in shock.”
