5 things you need to know about how john coltrane changed music forever
- **He reinvented jazz with "Giant Steps"** - Coltrane’s 1960 composition "Giant Steps" introduced a revolutionary harmonic sequence that still challenges musicians today. Its rapid chord changes created a new language for improvisation, making it a rite of passage for jazz players worldwide.
- **His spiritual quest reshaped his sound** - After battling addiction, Coltrane experienced a spiritual awakening in the late 1950s. This led to his landmark album "A Love Supreme" (1965), a four-part suite that fused raw emotion with complex jazz, now considered one of the most influential recordings ever.
- **He pioneered free jazz with "Ascension"** - In 1965, Coltrane pushed boundaries further with "Ascension," a 40-minute collective improvisation featuring 11 musicians. This work abandoned traditional structure for chaotic, spiritual expression, sparking both awe and controversy in the jazz community.
- **His signature saxophone tone became iconic** - Known for his "sheets of sound" technique, Coltrane played with a dense, rapid-fire style that created a cascading wall of notes. This approach, heard on tracks like "My Favorite Things," inspired generations of musicians from rock to hip-hop.
- **An unexpected resurgence in viral culture** - Recently, a TikTok trend used Coltrane's "My Favorite Things" as a soundtrack for viral dance videos, introducing his 1959 recording to Gen Z. Streams of the track jumped 300% in March 2024, proving his music still captivates new audiences.