Written By: Jillian Peprah-Frimpong
Pre-Professional, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Student, New York City Museum School

On July 17, we commemorate 51 years since the death of American jazz composer and saxophonist John Coltrane who passed away in 1967. Coltrane is responsible for pioneering what we call today modal jazz during the 1950s, a more melodic and whimsical form of jazz music, which was also performed by his contemporary, Miles Davis. Compared to other forms of jazz, the modal style was described as honest, organic and free flowing.

Coltrane’s earliest introduction to music was to revered jazz musicians Lester Young and Count Basie and the occasional musical musings of his father, who played several instruments while working as a tailor. When he received his first alto saxophone from his mother when he was seventeen. He had volunteered in local community bands, often playing the alto saxophone or clarinet.

In 1958 Coltrane recorded the album he regarded as his favorite, “Blue Train”, which was certified gold 50 years after its release. “Blue Train” features Coltrane’s first lead on a record. With Coltrane on tenor saxophone and his band members Lee Morgan and Curtis Fuller on trumpet and trombone, the band created a 42 minute energetic piece. Coltrane’s musical legacy during the 1940s and 1950s would go on to inspire 70’s rock guitarists Jimi Hendrix and Frank Zappa, and continues to inspire musicians in all genres today.

Visit the Schomburg Center to learn more about John Coltrane through these items in our collections:

• John Coltrane in our Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division
• John Coltrane Portrait Collection
• The John Coltrane reference 
• John Coltrane Speaks