Ornette Coleman

Innovative jazz saxophonist and composer

Ornette Coleman - Innovative jazz saxophonist and composer
Born

March 9th, 1930
95 years ago

Died

June 11th, 2015
10 years ago — 85 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

A pioneering figure in the jazz genre, this musician revolutionized the way jazz was perceived and played. Renowned for the development of free jazz, the approach to improvisation emphasized spontaneous performance without predetermined chord progressions. In 1959, released the influential album 'The Shape of Jazz to Come,' which challenged conventional jazz norms and introduced a new level of creative freedom. Collaborated with various artists and formed the group 'Ornette Coleman Quartet,' notable for their innovative sound and improvisational style. Received the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1994 for the album 'Sound Grammar,' solidifying a significant position in American music history.

Released 'The Shape of Jazz to Come' in 1959

Founded the Ornette Coleman Quartet

Received the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1994

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