Biography
Gil Coggins was born in the restrictive Harlem ghetto, to Winifred and George Coggins on August 23, 1924. This Post-Renaissance Harlem was both restrictive and culturally thriving. Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn walked the streets of Harlem during Gilly’s youth and the neighborhood produced icons Harry Belafonte, Sonny Rollins, Jackie McClean, Art Taylor and Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
Gilly began to learn to play the piano at age 7. His cousin Andrew Coggins recalled that “Gilly took to the piano right away.” He grew up listening to his mother play hymns at home. Though they were very poor Gilly’s mother always made sure that there was a piano in every apartment that they lived in. At some point in the late 40’s his life changed when he volunteered himself to Eddie Lockjaw Davis and became the house pianist at Minton’s Playhouse. This experience, which Gil often cites as a crucial stage in his musical development, quickly led to many other musical opportunities. Within a few years he became one of Lester Young’s favorite pianists, and subsequently recorded with John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Lester Young, Ray Draper, Jackie McClean and Miles Davis.
He did not record as a leader until 1990, when Interplay Records released Gil's Mood a trio recording with Calvin Hill and LeRoy Williams. He recorded Better Late Than Never, his second album as a leader for Smalls Records, with “Cool” Mike FitzBenjamin, Louis Hayes and Jimmy Wormworth.
Gilly never left NYC and continued to gig his entire time there. He was a NYC jazz icon and people from all over the world came to NYC to hear him. He was beyond humble and took his time talking to fans and helping guide young musicians. Other jazz greats such as Tommy Flanagan, Cedar Walton, Barry Harris, and Ronnie Matthews and always acknowledged his presence with great respect and admiration. Sonny Rollins, Jackie McLean and Bob Mover considered Gilly to be one of their teachers.
He was very close to his daughter Jilene to whom he dedicated much of his original music to. The two became even closer when she had her son Kingston. In Gilly’s later years he moved his baby grand to Atlanta so that he could practice during his frequent visits to see them.
He was extremely close to his younger brother Willie always. Willie was completely devoted and helped take care of Gilly in his later years and until his death on February 15, 2004.