Ornette Coleman
Innovative jazz saxophonist and composer

Born
March 9th, 1930
95 years ago
Died
June 11th, 2015
9 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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