John Coltrane (1926–1967)
One of the most influential saxophonists, composers, and spiritual voices in jazz history.
Born September 23, 1926 in Hamlet, North Carolina. Grew up in High Point, NC. Early tragedies in 1938–1939. Started clarinet/alto sax in high school. Moved to Philadelphia 1943. Navy 1945–1946.
R&B/bebop groups. Tenor in Dizzy Gillespie band (1949–1951). Heroin addiction → quit 1957 (spiritual rebirth).
Miles Davis (1955–60) — Kind of Blue. Monk 1957 → "sheets of sound". Blue Train (1957).
Giant Steps (1960)
A Love Supreme (1964)
- Giant Steps — Coltrane changes, "Naima"
- My Favorite Things — modal epic
- A Love Supreme — spiritual masterpiece
Classic Quartet: Tyner, Garrison, Jones.
1965–67: free/avant-garde, world influences. Died July 17, 1967 (age 40). Vast influence. "I want to be a force for real good."