This Date in Music History
by Caser
Jazz saxophonist John Coltrane was born on September 23, 1926 in Hamlet, NC. His first major recordings were with Miles Davis' First Quintet (1955-1957), playing tenor sax on such cool era albums as Relaxin', Workin', and Steamin'. After a bout with heroin that resulted in a rift with Davis, Coltrane began recording under his own name, producing Blue Train andGiant Steps, two albums that secured his reputation as one of the most gifted improvisers in jazz.
From '60-'65, Trane recorded with his most prolific lineup, the "Classic Quartet," which featured McCoy Tyner on piano and Elvin Jones on drums. From this period, check out Coltrane's best-selling album, My Favorite Things, and his magnum opus, A Love Supreme. Trane's legacy includes groundbreaking work in modal improvisation, avant-garde jazz, Eastern composition, and influencing a legion of followers, such as Wynton Marsalis, Joshua Redman, and Kenny Garrett who continue to explore the limits of jazz today.
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