Alvin Gilbert Cohn, known as Al Cohn, was a prominent American jazz saxophonist, arranger, and composer born on November 24, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York. He gained early recognition in the late 1940s as a member of Woody Herman's "Four Brothers" ensemble, alongside notable saxophonists like Zoot Sims and Stan Getz. Cohn was distinguished not only for his lyrical solo performances but also for his significant contributions as an arranger. His arrangements were featured in Broadway productions such as "Raisin" and "Sophisticated Ladies" and were recorded by big bands led by Maynard Ferguson and Gerry Mulligan, among others.

Cohn's most enduring collaboration was with Zoot Sims, forming a quintet in 1956 that produced several acclaimed recordings, including the album "You 'n' Me" in 1960. Throughout his career, Cohn was a prolific recording artist, contributing to numerous albums both as a leader and a sideman. He worked with artists like John Coltrane and Elvis Presley, the latter during a 1972 performance at Madison Square Garden.

Al Cohn's influence extended to his family, with his son Joe Cohn becoming a noted jazz guitarist, and his granddaughter Shaye Cohn playing cornet with the band Tuba Skinny. Al Cohn passed away from liver cancer on February 15, 1988, in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, leaving behind a legacy marked by his warm-toned saxophone style and his substantial contributions to jazz music and arranging.