“I humbly asked to be given the means and privilege to make others happy through music”
2026 sees the centenary of the birth of one of the most important musical figures of the 20th century: John William Coltrane (23 September 1926 -17 July 1967). His virtuosic skill as a saxophonist coupled with his vision for a new direction for what jazz could be – both harmonically and spiritually – created a wave which resonated through almost all sonic culture that followed.
Let us guide you through the many facets of John Coltrane – as innovator, band leader, pathfinder, and musical and life partner to Alice.
Harmonic Revolution
GIANT STEPS
Legendary Quartet
VANGUARD
Spiritual Awakening
LOVE SUPREME
Dawn of a Legacy
ASCENSION
coltrane POSTERZINE®
Special Edition Print
shop coltrane
Music & Merch
Best of John Coltrane – His 10 Most Important Albums
While he was only active for around 20 years, John Coltrane left a huge and varied recorded output. With his discography covering straight ahead hard-bop, to free jazz, where does the Coltrane-curious listener begin? We’ve got you, with our pick of his 10 best albums.
Coltrane is known for the searing intensity of his playing; his cascading ‘sheets of sound’ brought to life by his often imitated laser focused tone. Coltrane stretched modern music into new dimensions. He used the saxophone as a means of projecting his inner spirit into the world by harnessing his mastery of his instrument, his skill as a composer, his respect for his forebears, and his singular creative vision.
The latter half of the 1950s was an important time for Coltrane – musically, personally, and spiritually. He had overcome his struggle with addiction, had played on Miles Davis’ smash hit “Kind of Blue”, and his vision as a leader was taking shape.
His only album as a leader on Blue Note: “Blue Train” (1958) showed his confidence with hard bop, but it was “Giant Steps” (1960, Atlantic) and “My Favorite Things” (1961, Atlantic) which signalled the creative revolution that had begun.
In this section, learn more about Coltrane’s hard bop roots, his harmonic innovation, and how he developed his own distinctive voice.
John Coltrane – Architect of Modal Jazz
The advent of modal jazz in the late 1950s revolutionised the music. Coltrane created some of the most thrilling iterations of this new direction making him perhaps the most vital and revolutionary jazz musician of them all.
The Harmony of Giant Steps – explained
Harmony class is in session!
You might have heard jazzers talk about the circle of fifths, or why mastering Giant Steps is a rite of passage. Composer Jon Opstad breaks it down.
Evenings at the Village Gate
An essay by jazz, hip-hop and soul saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin on the previously unreleased 1961 live recording “Evenings At The Village Gate” by John Coltrane with Eric Dolphy.
Browse our collection of albums from this transitional period in Coltrane’s work. Hear him as leader, collaboration, and in titles released after his death.
With the assembly of his “Classic Quartet”, John Coltrane was able to chart new musical ground. Pianist McCoy Tyner’s chiming chordal playing was animated by Elvin Jones’ expansive, rangy drumming. With the underpinning of Jimmy Garrison’s rock solid, plaintive bass, Coltrane had the springboard which with to launch his most fruitful period.
The first half of the 1960s produced a collection of records as singular as they are varied – from intense music explorations, to deeply tender ballads, and a masterful collaboration with Duke Ellington. Coltrane’s commitment to working with the established language to jazz to create something new was clear.
Learn more about the musicians who made the classic quartet, and some of the key records they made together.
The John Coltrane Quartet – The Iconic Incarnation
John Coltrane’s Classic Quartet only played together for four years – from November 1961, when bassist Jimmy Garrison joined, to November 1965, when pianist McCoy Tyner left. In that short time, the group developed an unequaled collective presence. Learn about the making of this legendary ensemble.
Africa/Brass
As the Classic Quartet was taking shape, Coltrane assembled a much larger band, for a record with a wide ranging vision. By Phil Freeman.
Ballads
By the mid 1960s, John Coltrane’s questing music provoked some factions of the music press to question whether it was even jazz. Coltrane’s response was one of the most lyrical, heartfelt moments of his career.
The John Coltrane Quartet Plays
This stunning 1965 album was one of the last to showcase the famous Quartet during John Coltrane’s lifetime, and featured their famous cover version of “Chim Chim Cheree”.
Coltrane’s Most Underrated Album
The saxophone legend’s often overlooked album gem “Crescent” is so much more than just the precursor to “A Love Supreme”.
The albums made with the classic quartet of Coltrane, pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Jimmy Garrison, and drummer Elvin Jones are some of the finest documents of recorded jazz. Here is a selection of the very best.
Coltrane’s masterwork, “A Love Supreme” (1965, Impulse!) is his enduring dedication to music and God. He had transformed his life and was about to transform jazz forever.
With his relationship with his wife, Alice, the Coltranes were united in a musical, spiritual, and loving quest. Philosophy, instruments and music from beyond the west began to shape the Coltrane’s work, and a whole new genre – spiritual jazz was emerging. Learn more about this key moment in the history of 20th century culture.
A Love Supreme at 60
John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” is an essential record – from any genre. 60 years on from its release Ashley Kahn reflects on its inception and reception.
Alice Coltrane
Andy Beta – author of “Cosmic Music: The Life Art and Transcendence of Alice Coltrane. ” charts the harpist and pianist’s musical life in 6 key albums.
What’s Spiritual Jazz?
In some ways, spiritual jazz is a redundant term. Isn’t all jazz – from the joyous stomps of Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five to the vertiginous leaps of Charlie Parker – an essentially spiritual music?
“A Love Supreme” is one of the most important albums in all of jazz, but it’s not the only record worth exploring in this realm of John and Alice Coltrane’s careers. We’ve picked a handful below to continue your journey to musical enlightenment.
Coltrane Merchandise
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After “A Love Supreme” Coltrane’s quest into jazz continued. With freer, more experimental forms and forces, his creative fire burned brightly, even as he reached his final years.
John Coltrane was only 40, when he died of liver cancer in 1967, but his impact on jazz – and musical culture more widely – can’t be overstated. From the resurgence of spiritual jazz, to the storied careers of his colleagues such as Pharoah Sanders, learn more about the impace Coltrane left on the world.
The Legacy of John Coltrane
The spirit of John Coltrane’s music shines as brightly today as it did in its 1960s genesis, and his legacy will be felt indelibly for generations to come. We trace the musicians who continued his legacy in the aftermath of his death.
Today’s Saxophonist’s Favourite Coltrane Albums
Innovator, virtuoso, enigma…100 years after his birth, five of today’s saxophonists pick their essential John Coltrane albums.
Sitting in With John Coltrane
In 1965, 20 year old drummer Terry Clarke found himself on stage with John Coltrane. Today, Clarke is one of the few remaining musicians to have played with ‘Trane, this is the story of a life changing musical encounter.
From lavish box sets, to vital live recordings, we’ve collected together some of John Coltrane’s most important late recordings.
John Coltrane Posterzine®
Immerse yourself in the world of John Coltrane with issue #3 of the Everything Jazz Posterzine® – a very special edition celebrating Coltrane 100. Newly commissioned stories exploring Coltrane’s life and music are presented magazine style. On unfolding, the collection of stories reveal a striking A1 poster, finished in gold and designed by graphic artist Jodi Hunt.
Coltrane Merchandise
Coming soon…share your love of Coltrane with our collection of exclusive merch – high quality t-shirts, album bundles, zines…even socks!
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Browse all John Coltrane albums in store
Know what you’re looking for? From the limited edition cassette of “A Love Supreme” to individual classic titles, exclusive coloured vinyl, and sumptuous box sets, find your favourite thing in store.
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