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Coltrane: The Definitive Visual Celebration of the Legend
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jan 79The definitive photographic celebration of John Coltrane's life and music, featuring exclusive contributions written by Ravi Coltrane, Wayne Coyne, Dev Hynes, Phil Lesh, Julie Mehretu, Carlos Santana, and Patti Smith.John Coltrane's impact on music and culture has endured far beyond his prolific career and untimely death in 1967 at age forty. His masterful saxophone style and groundbreaking compositions profoundly affected the evolution of music for decades and continue to resonate across styles and genres to this day. This beautiful photography book offers an intimate and in-depth look at his life with two hundred expertly curated images of the legendary saxophonist and composer. Coltrane further explores John's musical legacy with an introduction by his son and fellow musician Ravi Coltrane along with stories from other musicians, artists, and writers who have been moved by his work.Coltrane is a visual celebration of one of the all-time great musicians, and a must-have for fans of John Coltrane, jazz, and music photography.
- GenresMusicPhotographyHistory
Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 2, 2079
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 29, 2026
Many thanks to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for allowing me to preview an advanced copy of the beautiful and thoughtful photographic collection Coltrane: The Definitive Visual Celebration of the Legend. 2026 marks the 100th birthday of John Coltrane, one of the most significant jazz artists of the 20th century, and in my opinion, one of the most important American musicians and composers. It’s been exciting to see all of the celebrations of Trane’s life, music, and artistry, and this collection of photographs is a beautiful addition to the celebration. This collection includes nearly 200 pages of intimate, thoughtful, and live photographs spanning Coltrane’s career from the 1950s through the late 1960s, before his untimely death in 1967 at age 40. In addition to the photos, the book also contains several brief essays from different artists and musicians that detail their first encounters with Coltrane, as well as his influence on their own music, art, and lives. Coltrane’s son, Ravi, pens a heartfelt essay to begin the book that details his encounter with his father and his performance at Temple University in a dream. Coltrane did perform at Temple about a year before his death, but Ravi Coltrane was only about a year old at the time. For anyone who has lost a parent, these kinds of dreams of encountering a lost loved one can bring many different emotions, and Ravi explains how important John’s image and music has been in understanding who his father was and shaping his legacy and impact on music and jazz. I really enjoyed this essay, and Ravi’s reflections made me appreciate the photos in the book even more, even those that I’ve seen as album covers and artwork. There are other essays from an eclectic crew including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wayne Coyne, Dev Hynes, Phil Lesh, Julie Mehretu, Carlos Santana, and Patti Smith. Even though it seems like this may be a disparate group, they all seem to share the same kind of profound experience of first encountering Trane’s music, and how his music eventually shaped their own music, art, or careers. I especially appreciated the different musicians’ takes on Coltrane’s music and seeing how his evolution of sound encouraged them to take their own creative risks and recognize the spirituality and emotion that can be conveyed through music.
However, the book’s photos are central to conveying another side of John Coltrane, where we are able to visually witness his evolution from sideman to taking some giant steps to an ascension to become one of the key progenitors of avant garde and free jazz. There are some great photos of Coltrane’s time with Dizzy Gillespie’s band as well as his time with Miles Davis. Also included in the 1950s collection are photos from the Blue Train session, Coltrane’s first session as a leader. It’s fascinating to see him both in action, playing the saxophone, as well as the thoughtful, introspective shots probably from in between takes.
My favorite images in the book come from the 1960s, which is also the era of Coltrane’s music that I most enjoy. There’s a great shot of Coltrane at the Guggenheim, which I’ve never seen before. It’s a fascinating shot and communicated his interest in art and modernism- the new thing- that he shepherded through his music. The photos from the 1960s, especially the latter 1960s, feature many Coltrane performances, which often depict him playing as if possessed by some holy spirit, proclaiming a message of peace and consciousness- a love supreme. I also learned that Coltrane played with Wes Montgomery in the early 60s. Although it was never recorded, I would have loved to hear them play together. I love the motion captured in these still images, and how despite the freeze-frame nature of photographs, there’s a continual sense of fluidity and energy that these images portray. There are some powerful images from the A Love Supreme sessions, along with the cover image shot by Bob Thiele, with a note from Alice Coltrane indicating the cover shot. One of the groups of photos that resonated most with me was showing John and Alice collaborating at the piano. I’ve never seen these photos before, but they depict the synthesis of their artistic and spiritual visions for music. These are lovely images of a true artistic marriage. As Andy Beta explores in Cosmic Music: The Life, Art and Transcendence of Alice Coltrane, Alice’s impact on John’s later music was significant, and these pictures help to document this continued evolution to higher spiritual realms. These images also depict that different side of Coltrane, where he’s collaborating and sharing his vision.
This is an amazing collection, and although I previewed the digital version, I can only imagine how lovely the physical copy is. The images are high quality and well-organized in a chronological manner to depict Coltrane’s growth and evolution from sideman to group leader to the spiritual leader who shepherded the avant garde and new sound that revolutionized American jazz and experimental music. Highly recommended!
However, the book’s photos are central to conveying another side of John Coltrane, where we are able to visually witness his evolution from sideman to taking some giant steps to an ascension to become one of the key progenitors of avant garde and free jazz. There are some great photos of Coltrane’s time with Dizzy Gillespie’s band as well as his time with Miles Davis. Also included in the 1950s collection are photos from the Blue Train session, Coltrane’s first session as a leader. It’s fascinating to see him both in action, playing the saxophone, as well as the thoughtful, introspective shots probably from in between takes.
My favorite images in the book come from the 1960s, which is also the era of Coltrane’s music that I most enjoy. There’s a great shot of Coltrane at the Guggenheim, which I’ve never seen before. It’s a fascinating shot and communicated his interest in art and modernism- the new thing- that he shepherded through his music. The photos from the 1960s, especially the latter 1960s, feature many Coltrane performances, which often depict him playing as if possessed by some holy spirit, proclaiming a message of peace and consciousness- a love supreme. I also learned that Coltrane played with Wes Montgomery in the early 60s. Although it was never recorded, I would have loved to hear them play together. I love the motion captured in these still images, and how despite the freeze-frame nature of photographs, there’s a continual sense of fluidity and energy that these images portray. There are some powerful images from the A Love Supreme sessions, along with the cover image shot by Bob Thiele, with a note from Alice Coltrane indicating the cover shot. One of the groups of photos that resonated most with me was showing John and Alice collaborating at the piano. I’ve never seen these photos before, but they depict the synthesis of their artistic and spiritual visions for music. These are lovely images of a true artistic marriage. As Andy Beta explores in Cosmic Music: The Life, Art and Transcendence of Alice Coltrane, Alice’s impact on John’s later music was significant, and these pictures help to document this continued evolution to higher spiritual realms. These images also depict that different side of Coltrane, where he’s collaborating and sharing his vision.
This is an amazing collection, and although I previewed the digital version, I can only imagine how lovely the physical copy is. The images are high quality and well-organized in a chronological manner to depict Coltrane’s growth and evolution from sideman to group leader to the spiritual leader who shepherded the avant garde and new sound that revolutionized American jazz and experimental music. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for an advance copy of this book of photos and essays about a seminal force in Jazz music, a man who changed the idea of what not only what music could do, touching not just the mind and the heart, but also the soul.
Losing a parent means that there will always be questions that will never have answers. Neither my Mom, my brother or myself have any idea how my father, a Bronx Irish Catholic, developed a love of jazz music. Was it college, was it a friend, a chance concert, we will never know. He did like jazz, and other music, and when I worked at the music store always came in, when I wasn't working, he didn't want to bother me, and loved to hear everything we played. How he became so open, again is a mystery. I do know he loved John Coltrane, again why I don't know. The spiritual aspect, the way Coltrane's music made the body feel. I don't know. I only know what Coltrane has done for me. And this book reminds me both of the music, my father's appreciation for it, and what the future might hold when I can't answer questions any more either. Coltrane: The Definitive Visual Celebration of the Legend by his son Ravi Coltrane is a collection of photos familiar, new, behind the scenes and in front of the stage, with a collection of essays by fellow musicians about Coltrane's impact and legacy.
The book begins with a dream. A son, Ravi Coltrane dreaming of the man he never got to spend time with, John Coltrane, who died when Ravi was very young. This dream takes place during the year of 1966, on a college tour, a dream that awakens before the music starts. What follows are many photos, from the studio with people like Mile Davis. On stage with Coltrane's band all over the world. Chance encounters. Staged photos for publicity. Candid of the man at work, or creating something that only he can hear. Possible album covers, and pictures with his wife and musical collaborator, Alice Coltrane. Along with these photos are essays by various musicians who have been influenced by the music, from Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, Patti Smith, Carlos Santana, and Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips.
I really nice collection of photos. Some will be familiar, some have never really been shown before. There is a selection of photos for possible album covers, and a lot of stills of the band in the middle of a performance. The essays are apt, telling more of the influence the music had on the musicians, with a nice personal feeling. The musicians chosen are pretty diverse, along with a graphic artist, to fill things out. I liked the candid photos, the one's that show Coltrane not caring about cameras or people, just trying to work out the songs he heard in his head. Many of which were lost by his early passing. A really nice collection for fans of the man, and for fans of jazz music in general.
Losing a parent means that there will always be questions that will never have answers. Neither my Mom, my brother or myself have any idea how my father, a Bronx Irish Catholic, developed a love of jazz music. Was it college, was it a friend, a chance concert, we will never know. He did like jazz, and other music, and when I worked at the music store always came in, when I wasn't working, he didn't want to bother me, and loved to hear everything we played. How he became so open, again is a mystery. I do know he loved John Coltrane, again why I don't know. The spiritual aspect, the way Coltrane's music made the body feel. I don't know. I only know what Coltrane has done for me. And this book reminds me both of the music, my father's appreciation for it, and what the future might hold when I can't answer questions any more either. Coltrane: The Definitive Visual Celebration of the Legend by his son Ravi Coltrane is a collection of photos familiar, new, behind the scenes and in front of the stage, with a collection of essays by fellow musicians about Coltrane's impact and legacy.
The book begins with a dream. A son, Ravi Coltrane dreaming of the man he never got to spend time with, John Coltrane, who died when Ravi was very young. This dream takes place during the year of 1966, on a college tour, a dream that awakens before the music starts. What follows are many photos, from the studio with people like Mile Davis. On stage with Coltrane's band all over the world. Chance encounters. Staged photos for publicity. Candid of the man at work, or creating something that only he can hear. Possible album covers, and pictures with his wife and musical collaborator, Alice Coltrane. Along with these photos are essays by various musicians who have been influenced by the music, from Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, Patti Smith, Carlos Santana, and Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips.
I really nice collection of photos. Some will be familiar, some have never really been shown before. There is a selection of photos for possible album covers, and a lot of stills of the band in the middle of a performance. The essays are apt, telling more of the influence the music had on the musicians, with a nice personal feeling. The musicians chosen are pretty diverse, along with a graphic artist, to fill things out. I liked the candid photos, the one's that show Coltrane not caring about cameras or people, just trying to work out the songs he heard in his head. Many of which were lost by his early passing. A really nice collection for fans of the man, and for fans of jazz music in general.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Coltrane is a beautifully and extensively illustrated retrospective and memoir of the legendary John Coltrane assembled by a host of friends, family, and his son Ravi. Due out 1st Sept. 2026 from Penguin Random House on their Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
Coltrane was a cultural icon; an incredibly talented and innovative artist, respected and acknowledged during his lifetime and down to the present day. He only lived 40 years and managed to have more of an impact on musical culture during his performance years than most manage in a long lifetime.
This book contains 7 essays by collaborators, his son, and celebrities, followed by chronological pictorial chapters: 1950-1959, 1960-1963, and 1964-1967. The essays are short and written in unvarnished, layman accessible language.
The pictorial chapters are full of stunning formal and casual photographs. Each is accompanied by a short caption. Photography credits are extensive and interesting, included at the end of the book.
Five stars. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition or for home use or gift giving to modern music enthusiasts.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Coltrane is a beautifully and extensively illustrated retrospective and memoir of the legendary John Coltrane assembled by a host of friends, family, and his son Ravi. Due out 1st Sept. 2026 from Penguin Random House on their Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
Coltrane was a cultural icon; an incredibly talented and innovative artist, respected and acknowledged during his lifetime and down to the present day. He only lived 40 years and managed to have more of an impact on musical culture during his performance years than most manage in a long lifetime.
This book contains 7 essays by collaborators, his son, and celebrities, followed by chronological pictorial chapters: 1950-1959, 1960-1963, and 1964-1967. The essays are short and written in unvarnished, layman accessible language.
The pictorial chapters are full of stunning formal and casual photographs. Each is accompanied by a short caption. Photography credits are extensive and interesting, included at the end of the book.
Five stars. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition or for home use or gift giving to modern music enthusiasts.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wasn’t prepared for how stunning and immersive this collection would be. The photography alone is incredible, full of intimate moments, powerful performances, and rare images that really make you feel connected to both the artist and the era. I loved how the book balanced visual storytelling with thoughtful essays. You can feel the care and passion poured into every page. Whether you’re a longtime jazz fan or just beginning to explore Coltrane’s music, this feels like an essential addition to any collection.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
John Coltrane
Is by my regard
THE best jass musician
Ever.
Perhaps he was not
The most
popular
Successful
Prolific.
He did create
What to my mind
Is the best jass
Piece ever.
Blue Train
The essence of jass
Distilled into
One piece of music.
It speaks to my soul.
That said
This book filled to the brim
With photos
Of Coltrane and
His contemporaries
Who are all legends
In their own right
Is nothing more
Than magical.
Also the pic of
Coltrane smoking a
Cigarette with one
Of those long black
Holders
May be the coolest
Thing ever.
Is by my regard
THE best jass musician
Ever.
Perhaps he was not
The most
popular
Successful
Prolific.
He did create
What to my mind
Is the best jass
Piece ever.
Blue Train
The essence of jass
Distilled into
One piece of music.
It speaks to my soul.
That said
This book filled to the brim
With photos
Of Coltrane and
His contemporaries
Who are all legends
In their own right
Is nothing more
Than magical.
Also the pic of
Coltrane smoking a
Cigarette with one
Of those long black
Holders
May be the coolest
Thing ever.
June 10, 2026
This is a great collection of photographs of John Coltrane along with members of his band! From his arrival in the late 1940’s, playing his saxophone, up to his death in the 1960’s, various photographers have portrayed his many moods. This book shows all of that! The photographs also capture his various bands. This is a book for fans of Coltrane. The essays are short and illuminating! It’s too bad he passed away young like his contemporary Wes Montgomery. Highly recommended!,
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There are many exceptional shots in here, but also a predictable overemphasis on the kind of contemplative solo shots that ultimately wear down a reader. Well worth tracking down if you're a younger or recent Coltrane fan, and haven't poked through a book like this before. Personally, I would have liked to see many more wide action shots with his various bands.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews