Indianapolis musicians remember jazz drummer Al Coleman

December 29, 2024

In February of 2024, the legendary Avenue jazz drummer and entrepreneur Al Coleman passed away. This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, learn about Coleman’s life. Hear interviews with his brother, organist Phil Coleman, and his friend and bandmate, guitarist Steve Weakley. 

Al Coleman was born in Indianapolis in 1927. He graduated from Crispus Attucks High School and studied music at the Jordan Conservatory. During his career, Coleman played with legendary Naptown musicians, including Wes Montgomery, Leroy Vineggar, and Jimmy Coe. But he’s best known for his work with the Three Souls, a jazz trio he co-founded during the late 1950s. 

Coleman was also a celebrated entrepreneur. He owned a vending machine company, car wash, and the Cole-Smith Manor motel. But his best-known business venture was Al’s British Lounge, an Indiana Avenue jazz club. The British Lounge has been called the last great jazz club on the Avenue. 

Coleman also gave back to his community. In 1978, he opened the Jacer Inn Family Retreat in Rochdale, Indiana. The Jacer Inn offered a variety of health and social services to inner-city residents.