Established in 2008, the Al Cobine Recognition Endowment fund serves to honor the talents of Indiana jazz legend, Albert Cobine, and to support jazz initiatives on WFIU and WTIU.
About Al Cobine
Tenor saxophonist Al Cobine worked with a veritable who’s who of twentieth century popular music performers—diverse artists such as Tony Bennett, Eddy Arnold, Perry Como, Glenn Campbell, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Tom Jones, Elvis Presley, and Doc Severinsen.
Cobine served as the primary musical contractor for Henry Mancini, Andy Williams, and Johnny Mathis. He performed as Henry Mancini’s primary saxophone soloist, creating the “sound” of Mancini’s Pink Panther with every major symphony orchestra east of the Rockies.
A composer and arranger, Al published more than 100 works of choral, brass, big band, jazz, and concert band music. Through his musical arrangements and instructional clinics, Al’s role in high school and college music education has contributed to his lasting musical impact.
In addition to being an active jazz musician, band leader, arranger, and recording artist for more than six decades, Al was active in local government, serving two terms on the Monroe County Council.
Legendary composer, musician, and band leader Al Cobine passed away on May 21, 2009 at age 82. The Al Cobine Big Band continues to perform around the state in his memory.
Income from the Al Cobine Recognition Endowment will assist with the following initiatives:
- Support jazz programming on both WFIU and WTIU.
- Provide funds for production and distribution of a radio documentary about the life and achievements of Al Cobine. This documentary will be archived on the WFIU Web site and will be available on-demand.
- Fund an intern to work in the WFIU jazz archives and assist with jazz program production and syndication.
Or send a check payable to IU Foundation/Cobine Recognition Endowment. Write ‘account #P37-RTVO-012′ in memo field and mail to:
Al Cobine Recognition Endowment
Indiana University Foundation
PO Box 2298
Bloomington, IN 47402-2298
Questions? Contact: Nancy Krueger, Gifts and Grants Officer, Radio-Television Services, 812-855-2935 or e-mail.
Public broadcasting affiliates WFIU and WTIU are joint licensees of Indiana University and serve south central Indiana and beyond. The Al Cobine Recognition Endowment Fund is managed by the Indiana University Foundation with the accrued earnings restricted for jazz programming initiatives at the stations.
