On this date in 1926, John Coltrane—unquestionably a landmark figure in the history of jazz and the music of the 20th century—was born in Hamlet, N.C.
Coltrane played both the clarinet and alto horn in a community band in high school, before switching to the saxophone. After graduation, his family moved to Philadelphia where he further developed his skills and started his first gig as a musician in a “cocktail lounge trio.”
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Hawaii as a sailor when his prowess with the saxophone began drawing attention. After being discharged, the G.I. Bill offered him the opportunity to study music theory in Philadelphia before touring.
After some years of aggressively developing his talent, Miles Davis called him up. With time, he found entry into the circles that would define jazz for the next generation.
In 1960, he released his first album as leader that contained only his compositions. His work with bandmates over the next few years would go on to completely change the genre. Tragically, like many great musical talents, Coltrane died at the peak of his career at age 40, succumbing to liver cancer in 1967.
If you’re not a Coltrane convert just yet, give a listen to some of A Love Supreme, his most critically acclaimed album—you may have to change your mind. To read more on Coltrane, read the articles here and here.
