Charles 'Wes' Cochran was born November 6, 1947. Growing up in Chicago, Wes studied tenor saxophone at Hess Upper Grade School. Attended Farragut High School, Wes played in the school concert band, and participated in t he City Wide High School Band Competitions in the early 1960's. He later received his associates degree in Music from Loop College, studying under James Mack. At Loop he played in the concert and stage bands.
An early member of the AACM, Wes performed throughout the 1970's with many AACM members and stellar musicians outside of the AACM such as: Henry Threadgill, Edward Wilkerson, Jr., Amina Claudine Meyers, Vandy Harris, Roscoe Mitchell, Fred Anderson, Frank Gordon, Joseph Jarman, and many others. Wes also led his own ensemble, The Spirit, which performed throughout the midwest.
