This week, we celebrate the music, life and legacy of John Coltrane – born September 23, 1926.
John William Coltrane was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Working in the bebop and hard bop idioms early in his career, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes and was at the forefront of free jazz. He led at least fifty recording sessions and appeared on many albums by other musicians, including trumpeter Miles Davis and pianist Thelonious Monk. Over the course of his career, Coltrane’s music took on an increasingly spiritual dimension. He remains one of the most influential saxophonists in music history. He received numerous posthumous awards, including canonization by the African Orthodox Church and a Pulitzer Prize in 2007.[2] His second wife was pianist and harpist Alice Coltrane. The couple had three children: John Jr. (1964–1982), a bassist; Ravi (born 1965), a saxophonist; and Oran (born 1967), also a saxophonist.
This week, there’s a lot of listening to do! Check out one of Coltrane’s most famous songs below, and write down how the music makes you feel.
Print off this sheet – created by Agee & Row – and dig deeper into the emotions that the music brings to you.
Video of The Week
Saint John Coltrane – A Love Supreme – BBC Documentary (2004) Alan Yentob examines the legend of jazz saxophonist John Coltrane whose obsession with music is matched by an equally obsessive following all over the world. A biography of the Jazz saxophonist John Coltrane, with interviews with friends, colleagues and admirers.
In case you missed it. Jazz90.1 Morning Host Joëlle VanBuren read “Before John Was a Jazz Giant” by Carole Boston Weatherford (Author), Sean Qualls (Illustrator). Check out that story here.
More amazing music from John Coltrane