Kohan was born to aJewish family[2] in theBronx, New York City,[3] the son of Charles (b. 1902) and May Kohan.[3] His father was in theleotard business and his mother was a housewife.[3]
As a writer, he wrote special material forNight of One Hundred Stars, produced atRadio City Music Hall, New York City in 1982, and also (withMarvin Hamlisch, Christopher Adler, andLarry Grossman)Shirley MacLaine on Broadway, produced atGershwin Theatre, New York City, in 1984. He wrote songs with (and for) his dear friend singer-entertainerMichael Jackson, such as "You Were There" (a tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. sung by Jackson), "Gone Too Soon" (written during the early '80s, recorded later for Jackson'sDangerous album released in 1991 as a tribute to Ryan White), "Scared of the Moon" (a rare song from 1984, sung by Michael Jackson, released in 2004 by Sony Music), and "Make a Wish," a never-heard song written by Kohan and sung by Jackson, for the Steven Spielberg version of Peter Pan,Hook. He also co-wrote the Christmas classic "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" forDavid Bowie andBing Crosby.[5]
Kohan met his wifeRhea Arnold when she was working inLake George, New York.[4] They married on July 17, 1962, and they have three children together: Jono,David Kohan (who are twins), andJenji Kohan. As Rhea Kohan, his wife has published the novelsSave Me a Seat (Harper & Row, 1979) andHand-Me-Downs (Random House, 1980).
He and his children David and Jenji have all won Emmys, making them one of just 15 families with parents and children who have won.[6]
