John Coltrane was born in Hamlet, North Carolina on September 23, 1926. He had a middle class family. John Coltrane was introduced to music from his church and his father. His father played several instruments. He was influenced by Count Basie and Lester Young. By 15 John Coltrane played the alto saxophone with outstanding talent. After finishing high-school he moved to Philadelphia to think about music more seriously. In 1943 he enrolled in the Ornstein School of Music. In 1945 he was enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in Hawaii. While in Hawaii he made his first recording with four other sailors.
John Coltrane played in Jimmy Heath’s band for two years in the late 1940’s. By 1950 he was already playing in New
