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15. John Coltrane

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With this selection, we approach an artist who we just couldn’t figure out where to place; or even if we should place him at all. Was John Coltrane right for the Roots and Early Influence category? We didn’t think so as his greatest success and period of influence was simultaneous with the British Invasion. Does Jazz have a viable place in the Hall? We think so, as Miles Davis is in and many a Rock genre is Jazz infused. Besides, if any Jazz great had a “Rock Star” quality, it was John Coltrane.

 

Coltrane first came to prominence as a sideman with Miles Davis, and would later lead his own Jazz group in 1960 which released several acclaimed albums. He simultaneously became one of the genre’s most important and controversial stars. Coltrane’s work always pushed the envelope veering into Free Jazz and Avant-Garde Jazz. His music was not always understood but as the years passed the appreciation of his music grew. We aren’t sure if another Jazz great will make the Rock and Roll Hall, but we are sure that if one does we believe it should be John Coltrane.

  


www.johncoltrane.com

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Should John Coltrane be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 70.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 5.7%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 8.2%
No opinion. - 1.3%
No way! - 13.2%

The Bullet Points

  • Previous Rank: 2012: #11
    2013: #11
    2014: #10
    2015: #10
    2016: #10
  • Eligible Since: Friday, 01 January 1982
  • Country of Origin: U.S.A. (North Carolina)
  • Why they will get in: He has unquestionable status as a musical legend.
  • Why they won't get in: With the exception of Miles Davis, no Jazz figure has entered the Hall.
  • Nominated in: Never
  • Essential Albums: My Favorite Things (1961)

    A Love Supreme (1964)

    Living Space (1965)

    Interstellar Space (1967)
  • Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: My Favorite Things (From My Favorite Things, 1961)

    Brazilia (From The John Coltrane Quartet Plays, 1964)

    A Love Supreme Part 1: Acknowledgement (From A Love Supreme, 1965)

    A Love Supreme Part 3: Pursuance (From A Love Supreme, 1965)

    Untitled Original 90320 (From Living Space, 1965)

Should John Coltrane be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 70.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 5.7%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 8.2%
No opinion. - 1.3%
No way! - 13.2%

YORON ISRAEL AND “ORGANIC” A CELEBRATION OF JOHN COLTRANE’S CENTENNIAL BIRTH YEAR

Mar 20, 2026

Buy your Tickets to see Yoron Israel and “Organic” A Celebration of John Coltrane’s Centennial Birth Year HERE!

Scullers Jazz Club, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, United States Of America

EMMET COHEN PRESENTS: MILES DAVIS & JOHN COLTRANE AT 100

Apr 12, 2026

Buy your Tickets to see Emmet Cohen Presents: Miles Davis & John Coltrane at 100 HERE!

Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine, United States Of America

COLTRANE 100: BOTH DIRECTIONS AT ONCE

Apr 18, 2026

Buy your Tickets to see Coltrane 100: Both Directions at Once HERE!

New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center Street, Newark, United States Of America

JOSé JAMES PRESENTS FACING EAST: THE MUSIC OF JOHN COLTRANE WITH SPECIAL GUEST RON BLAKE

May 01, 2026

Buy your Tickets to see José James Presents Facing East: The Music of John Coltrane with Special Guest Ron Blake HERE!

Blue Note Jazz Club, 131 W. 3rd St, New York, United States Of America

 
Last modified on Sunday, 18 January 2026 00:08
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