John Coltrane

John Coltrane, a prominent saxophonist of the 20th century, reshaped the landscape of jazz during his tenure as a bandleader. Beginning his career in the hard bop genre, Coltrane gained recognition as a sideman for Miles Davis before embarking on his solo journey in 1957 with releases on Prestige and Blue Note labels. Known for his innovative "sheets of sound" technique, Coltrane transitioned to a more lyrical style in the early '60s, collaborating with a notable quartet that included McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, and Jimmy Garrison. His landmark album, A Love Supreme, released in 1965, marked the peak of his exploratory phase before his untimely passing at the age of 40 in 1967.

Born to John R. Coltrane and Alice Blair, Coltrane's musical journey began in North Carolina before he moved to Philadelphia in the early 1940s. After serving in the navy during World War II, he honed his craft in local clubs and eventually joined notable bands, including those led by Dizzy Gillespie and Johnny Hodges. His association with Miles Davis in the mid-'50s propelled his career, leading to a prolific period of recording as a sideman and later as a solo artist. Coltrane's legacy as a groundbreaking musician endures through his diverse body of work, inspiring generations of jazz artists to push boundaries and innovate in their craft.