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The John Coltrane Reference

The BBC's Jazz Book of the Year for 2008.

Few jazz musicians have had the lasting influence or attracted as much scholarly study as John Coltrane. Yet, despite dozens of books, hundreds of articles, and his own recorded legacy, the "facts" about Coltrane's life and work have never been definitely established. Well-known Coltrane biographer and jazz educator Lewis Porter has assembled an international team of scholars to write The John Coltrane Reference, an indispensable guide to the life and music of John Coltrane.

The John Coltrane Reference features a a day-by-day chronology, which extends from 1926-1967, detailing Coltrane's early years and every live performance given by Coltrane as either a sideman or leader, and a discography offering full session information from the first year of recordings, 1946, to the last, 1967. The appendices list every film and television appearance, as well as every recorded interview. Richly illustrated with over 250 album covers and photos from the collection of Yasuhiro Fujioka, The John Coltrane Reference will find a place in every major library supporting a jazz studies program, as well as John Coltrane enthusiasts.

868 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 20, 2007

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Lewis Porter

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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Profile Image for Ronan McAfee.
37 reviews
July 23, 2026
People say Chris chan is the most documented person ever but this book proves otherwise. The definitive book of this guys life basically, every recording session/concert in one book. Had a funny bit about the only time he played in Glasgow and a drunk guy didn’t quite get it so complained to him.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews