bryanjazz

On this day (Sept 23) in 1926, John William Coltrane was born in Hamlet, NC. He would become one of the most significant and influential figures in the history of jazz.

Visit the official John Coltrane Website and learn how Alice Coltrane, John's second wife (a stellar recording artist in her own right), and his family is continuing his legacy.

Do a search on John Coltrane at allmusic.com to learn more about Coltrane's music and influence, and view his complete discography.

Here is a news story about the (now gone) Church of St. John Coltrane in San Francisco. I was fortunate enough to have attended a service at this church several years ago. It was quite a moving experience.

Do your own internet search on John Coltrane.

Or better yet, take some time today and listen to his music. If he's not in your collection, take this opportunity to add him. :-)

If you'd like a suggestion, I'd recommend Crescent, one of my favorite Coltrane albums, an awesome work with a somewhat reflective and somber mood. My pick of the tracks on the album: "Lonnie's Lamment".

One of his most popular albums is My Favorite Things, which contains a mellow and warm 14 minute version of the title track, as well as Coltrane's take on the classsic, "Summertime".

There's also, of course, the wonderfully magnificent, A Love Supreme, considered by many not only Coltrane's masterpiece, but also one of the most important records ever made.