John Coltrane

John William Coltrane was born in Hamlet, North Carolina, on September 23, 1926, to Alice Blair and John W. Coltrane, Sr. He is regarded as one of the most talented and creative composers in the history of jazz.

His musical training began in high school, where he studied horn, clarinet and saxophone. He went on to study at the Granoff Studios and the Ornstein School of Music in Philadelphia, making his professional debut in 1945 as a member of a cocktail party band. He then served in Hawaii with the US Navy Band in 1945-1946, and upon returning to civilian life toured as a sideman with Eddie Vinson's rhythm and blues band in 1947-1948. He played in Dizzy Gillespie's big band from 1949 to 1951, and later with Earl Bostic in 1952-53 and Johnny Hodges in 1953-54.

In 1955, Coltrane joined the extraordinary Miles Davis Quintet. With Davis's group, Coltrane first drew the attention of audiences and critics for his distinctive style on the saxophone. In the summer and fall of 1957 he worked with Thelonious Monk at the Five Spot in New York. In January 1958 he rejoined Davis's quintet, staying with the band until April 1960, when he formed his own quartet.

Coltrane's band would prove to be one of the most original and influential groups in jazz during the period from 1961 to 1965. Coltrane reached the height of his popular success in 1965, winning the Down Beat award for best tenor saxophonist in America, a Hall of Fame selection, and Jazzman of the Year, while his work "A Love Supreme" was voted Record of the Year. From 1965 to 1967, he continued his experimentation with his band, developing a growing predilection for improvisation. Though influenced by Indian, Eastern and African forms, Coltrane's music would prove unique in its development. His superb technical skill on the saxophone allowed him to freely experiment with the widest improvisation in avant-garde jazz, making him a central and controversial figure in the field.

Among his important recordings are "Straight", "No Chaser", "Blue Train", "Kind Of Blue", "Giant Steps", "My Favorite Things", "Impressions", "Chasin' The Trane", "Crescent", "A Love Supreme", "Ascension", "Naima", "Locomotion", "In A Sentimental Mood", "Expressions", "Soultrane" and "Kulu Se Mama".

Coltrane married Alice McLeod, a jazz pianist who performed with his group on several occasions. He died in Huntington, New York, on June 17, 1967, of liver cancer, at the age of 40. His funeral was held four days later at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in New York City. The service was opened by the Albert Ayler Quartet and closed by the Ornette Coleman Quartet. Coltrane is buried in Pinelawn Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York.

Ride the wave of great music

Add OndaRock to your favorite sources on Google Discover. Don't miss our reviews, milestones and latest news straight in your feed.

Follow on Google