Remembered for being one of the true protagonists of jazz and bebop music, John Coltrane made the history of the twentieth century in this artistic sector. Let’s discover his path and his musical evolution over the years.
Who was John Coltrane
John William Coltrane (Hamlet, 23 September 1926 – New York, 17 July 1967) was an American saxophonist. He grows passionate about music thanks to his father who plays ukulele and violin for pleasure and directs him to the boy scout band. Here he plays the clarinet, while during the high school years he switches to the saxophone.
Once graduated he decides to indulge what was born as a simple hobby by attending the Omstein School of Music. After a period of military service in the gang, he returns to Philadelphia and here he joins the group by Joe Webb. Later he joined the orchestra that performs at the Apollo Theater in New York. He later joins Earl Bostic’s project, but is turned away when he faces drug problems and continues to collaborate only with Miles Davis.
Who was John Coltrane: the musical career
The collaboration between Coltrane and Davis lasts relatively short as the two struggle to find the same interpretation of things. Despite the difficulties, however, they make some pieces together with the other members of the group they get great success. Their songs are especially recognized for their elegance and perfect cooperation between instruments.
At the end of this period he struggled to find a stable group but still recorded numerous highly successful records including “Giant Steps”. He manages to create his first quartet in 1960 together with bassist Stave Davis, pianist McCoy Tyner and drummer Elvin Jones. Over time he has the opportunity to experiment a lot with his colleagues, also getting closer to sounds of African music.
With the advent of the 60s he changed his label, freeing himself from any constraints and dedicating himself to stimulating projects such as the album “Impulse!”. This project follows “Impressions” which is remembered as one of his best known and most important recordings as his instrument is the protagonist of the recording. Of his past style he states:
“I lived in darkness for a long time because I was content to play what was expected of me in my music, without trying to add something of my own …”
Who was John Coltrane: health problems
In the meantime, approaching religion has a way of get out of its addictions: alcohol and heroin. In the meantime he discovers that he has severe liver damage which greatly affects his health which he thinks he shouldn’t treat. In fact, he supports theories that believe in destiny in a passive form and that therefore lead him to accept his fate, and therefore also the possibility that this will lead him to death.
The health problem reappears in an acute form when, during a trip to Philadelphia with his wife, he feels a sharp pain in his stomach. He refuses to take any kind of medicine and undergo any treatment, risking his life for it. Luckily he manages to go home but is hospitalized for a biopsy. However, he continues to refuse any intervention by doctors. so at the age of only 40 he dies for a liver cancer.
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