Jazz pianist and harpist Alice Coltrane studied classical and gospel early on. Alice thought it was “truly profound music with highly intellectual ambiance.” But jazz is where her passion is. She said, “Although, with jazz music, you can develop your creativity, improvisation and expression. This greatly inspires me."
She studied jazz with Bud Powell in Paris. After that, she became a professional jazz musician performing in Detroit and eventually New York City. That’s where she met and married saxophonist John Coltrane. The two embarked on a journey of deep spiritual and musical exploration. After his passing, Alice turned to Hindu spiritual guidance, which has influenced her music since.
Credits
Host: Vernon Neal
Producer: Dan Nass
Writers: Andrea Blain and Scott Blankenship
Executive Producer: Julie Amacher
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About Rhapsody in Black
Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.
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