John Coltrane, Johnny Hartman

Biography

John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman’s 1963 collaboration stands as one of the most revered vocal jazz albums in history, blending Coltrane’s expressive tenor saxophone with Hartman’s velvety baritone in a collection of lush ballads. John Coltrane, born in North Carolina and raised in Philadelphia, was already a leading figure in jazz by the early 1960s, known for his innovative improvisational style and spiritual approach to music. Johnny Hartman, a Chicago-born singer celebrated for his rich, emotive voice, had established himself as a ballad specialist but was initially hesitant to record with Coltrane, doubting their compatibility.

Their partnership was brokered by producer Bob Thiele, who encouraged Hartman to attend a Coltrane Quartet performance at Birdland. After an impromptu rehearsal with Coltrane and pianist McCoy Tyner, the two artists discovered a remarkable musical chemistry. On March 7, 1963, they recorded the album at Rudy Van Gelder’s studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, capturing most tracks in a single take. The resulting album, 'John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman,' released by Impulse! Records, features definitive renditions of jazz standards like 'Lush Life,' 'My One and Only Love,' and 'They Say It’s Wonderful.'

This album is notable as the only time Coltrane recorded a full album with a vocalist as leader, and it has since become a touchstone for jazz balladry, admired for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth. The collaboration showcased Coltrane’s ability to support and enhance a vocalist without overshadowing, while Hartman’s performance remains a benchmark for jazz singing. Their work together continues to inspire vocalists and instrumentalists alike, cementing their legacy in the jazz canon.

Fun Facts

• The entire 'John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman' album was reportedly recorded in a single session, with most tracks completed in just one take.
• The inclusion of 'Lush Life' on the album was a spontaneous decision made after Hartman and Coltrane heard Nat King Cole’s version on the radio en route to the studio.
• Johnny Hartman initially did not consider himself a jazz singer and was hesitant to collaborate with Coltrane, fearing their styles would not mesh.
• This album is the only time John Coltrane recorded a full album with a vocalist as leader.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Dizzy Gillespie - Both Coltrane and Hartman were associated with Gillespie's band in the late 1940s, though their tenures did not overlap. Gillespie’s bebop innovations influenced Coltrane’s early style. (Coltrane played in Gillespie’s big band; Hartman performed at the Apollo Theater with Gillespie.) [Late 1940s]
• Ornette Coleman - Coltrane was inspired by Coleman’s avant-garde approach, which influenced his melodic and emotional focus in the early 1960s. (Coltrane’s Impulse! albums, including 'Ballads' and 'John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman.') [Early 1960s]

Key Collaborators

• McCoy Tyner - Pianist in the John Coltrane Quartet, played on the album with Hartman. ('John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman', 'Ballads', 'A Love Supreme') [1960-1965]
• Elvin Jones - Drummer in the John Coltrane Quartet, performed on the Hartman collaboration. ('John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman', 'Ballads', 'A Love Supreme') [1960-1965]
• Jimmy Garrison - Bassist in the John Coltrane Quartet, played on the Hartman album. ('John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman', 'Ballads', 'A Love Supreme') [1962-1967]
• Bob Thiele - Producer who facilitated the Coltrane-Hartman collaboration. ('John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman', various Impulse! albums) [Early 1960s]

Artists Influenced

• Kurt Elling - Cited Hartman as a major influence and recorded a tribute album to the Coltrane-Hartman collaboration. ('Dedicated to You' (2009)) [2000s]
• Michael Brecker - Saxophonist influenced by Coltrane’s harmonic and improvisational innovations. (Brecker’s solo albums and work with Steps Ahead) [1970s-2000s]
• Gregory Porter - Vocalist inspired by Hartman’s baritone style and jazz balladry. (Porter’s vocal jazz recordings) [2010s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. My One And Only Love (John Coltrane And Johnny Hartman)
2. You Are Too Beautiful (John Coltrane And Johnny Hartman)
3. Dedicated To You (John Coltrane And Johnny Hartman)
4. They Say It's Wonderful (John Coltrane And Johnny Hartman)
5. Lush Life (John Coltrane And Johnny Hartman)
6. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning (I Just Dropped By To Say Hello)
7. I Just Dropped By To Say Hello (I Just Dropped By To Say Hello)
8. Don't You Know I Care (I Just Dropped By To Say Hello)
9. Autumn Serenade (John Coltrane And Johnny Hartman)
10. Ain't Misbehavin' (The Complete Gus Wildi Recordings)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia