Biography
George Coleman, born March 8, 1935, in Memphis, Tennessee, emerged from a vibrant musical environment, surrounded by future jazz luminaries such as Booker Little, Harold Mabern, and Charles Lloyd. Inspired by the revolutionary sound of Charlie Parker, Coleman taught himself the alto saxophone as a teenager and quickly became a prominent figure in the Memphis music scene. By age 17, he was performing with blues legend B.B. King, contributing his saxophone to King's recordings and live shows, and later switching to tenor saxophone at King's request.
In 1956, Coleman moved to Chicago, immersing himself in the city's thriving jazz community and collaborating with artists like Gene Ammons and Johnny Griffin. His career accelerated further after joining Max Roach's quintet and, later, Slide Hampton's band. Coleman reached international prominence in the early 1960s as a member of Miles Davis's legendary quintet, recording seminal albums such as 'Seven Steps to Heaven,' 'My Funny Valentine,' and 'Four & More.' His robust, soulful tone and technical brilliance became hallmarks of his style, blending the bluesy roots of Memphis with the sophisticated harmonies of modern jazz.
Over subsequent decades, Coleman worked with a who's who of jazz, including Herbie Hancock, Lee Morgan, Charles Mingus, and Chet Baker, while also leading his own ensembles and contributing as an arranger and educator. Recognized as an NEA Jazz Master in 2015, Coleman remains an influential figure whose artistry and mentorship have shaped generations of jazz musicians.
Fun Facts
- George Coleman was largely self-taught on the saxophone, learning by ear after being inspired by Charlie Parker.
- He played the iconic sax solo on B.B. King's "Woke Up This Morning" at just 18 years old.
- Coleman has appeared in films and television, including the movie 'Freejack' and the soundtrack for 'The Preacher’s Wife.'
- He has taught at major institutions such as New York University and The New School, mentoring numerous young jazz musicians.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Charlie Parker - Primary stylistic influence; inspired Coleman to take up saxophone and pursue bebop. (General influence, especially bebop recordings.) [Early 1950s]
Key Collaborators
- B.B. King - Early career collaborator; Coleman toured and recorded with King, switching to tenor sax at King's request. ("Woke Up This Morning" (RPM Records, 1953), live performances) [1952–1955]
- Miles Davis - Member of Davis's quintet; recorded several landmark albums and performed at Lincoln Center. (Seven Steps to Heaven, My Funny Valentine, Four & More, In Europe) [1963–1964]
- Herbie Hancock - Recorded together, notably on Hancock's 'Maiden Voyage' album. (Maiden Voyage (1965)) [1965]
- Max Roach - Member of Roach's quintet after moving to Chicago and New York. (Live and studio recordings with Roach's group) [1958–1959]
- Slide Hampton - Played in Hampton's band after moving to New York. (Performances and recordings with Slide Hampton's group) [1959–1962]
- Charles Mingus - Performed and recorded with Mingus in the late 1970s. (Live and studio sessions) [1977–1978]
Artists Influenced
- Harold Mabern - Schoolmate and peer in Memphis; both influenced each other's early development. (Collaborations and parallel careers) [1950s–2010s]
- Countless saxophonists - Coleman's technical mastery and expressive tone have inspired generations of jazz saxophonists. (General influence on jazz saxophone repertoire) [1960s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Basie Rocks! | 2025-05-02 | Album |
| Amsterdam After Dark | 1989 | Album |
| The Quartet | 2019-09-27 | Album |
| Bongo Joe | 1969-01-01 | Album |
| Live at Smalls Jazz Club | 2023-05-19 | Album |
| Surfboard | 2020-10-30 | Album |
| Queen Talk: Live at the Left Bank | 2023-04-28 | Album |
| A Master Speaks | 2016-04-08 | Album |
| My Horns of Plenty | 1991 | Album |
| Playing Changes | 2007-08-01 | Album |
| At Yoshi's | 1992-01-01 | Album |
| Dynamic Duo | 1992 | Album |
| George Coleman with Strings | 2025-08-29 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Tenor Madness
- Dedicated to You
- Amsterdam After Dark (Amsterdam After Dark)
- Prelude to a Kiss (The Quartet)
- Autumn in New York (Amsterdam After Dark)
- Every Breath You Take (Basie Rocks!)
- New Arrival (Amsterdam After Dark)
- Transistor Radio (Bongo Joe)
- Lo-Joe (Amsterdam After Dark)
- I Wish I Could Sing (Bongo Joe)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
George Coleman has been played 8 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 7, 2026 | 06:34 | Ugly Beautyfrom George Coleman with Strings | The Morning Setw/ Breaux Bridges | |
| Jan 2, 2026 | 18:34 | Stella By Starlightfrom George Coleman with Strings | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell | |
| Dec 11, 2025 | 18:00 | A Time For Lovefrom George Coleman With Strings | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Keith Hill | |
| Nov 7, 2025 | 16:10 | A Time For Lovefrom George Coleman With Strings | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell | |
| Oct 31, 2025 | 16:07 | Moment To Momentfrom George Coleman With Strings | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell | |
| Oct 24, 2025 | 16:32 | Stella By Starlightfrom George Coleman with Strings | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell | |
| Oct 17, 2025 | 16:42 | Dedicated To Youfrom George Coleman With Strings | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell | |
| Sep 17, 2025 | 06:51 | Moment to Momentfrom George Coleman with Strings | The Morning Setw/ Breaux Bridges |