JOHNNY HARTMAN & JOHN COLTRANE

Biography

Johnny Hartman, born in Louisiana and raised in Chicago, was a baritone jazz singer celebrated for his velvety voice and masterful interpretation of ballads. After early work with orchestras and a handful of solo albums in the 1950s, Hartman’s career reached a pivotal moment in 1963 when he was invited by producer Bob Thiele to record with saxophonist John Coltrane. Though initially hesitant, Hartman was persuaded after hearing Coltrane’s quartet at Birdland, leading to their iconic collaboration. The resulting album, 'John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman,' recorded in March 1963 and released by Impulse! Records, became a landmark in vocal jazz, showcasing a seamless blend of Hartman’s lyrical phrasing and Coltrane’s expressive saxophone. This was the only album Coltrane ever recorded with a vocalist, and it revitalized Hartman’s career, earning critical acclaim and later induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame.[1][4][5]

Hartman’s style was characterized by his rich baritone, impeccable diction, and a storytelling approach to lyrics, which he described as making a song believable, almost like telling a story. Coltrane, already an established innovator in jazz, brought his classic quartet—McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Elvin Jones—to the session, creating a sensitive, elegant backdrop for Hartman’s vocals. The album’s success led Hartman to record several more albums for Impulse! and ABC, though he never achieved widespread fame. In the 1970s, Hartman performed in lounges and recorded sporadically, but his 1981 album 'Once in Every Life' earned him a Grammy nomination, affirming his enduring artistry. The collaboration with Coltrane remains a touchstone for vocal jazz, influencing generations of singers and musicians.[1][2][5]

Fun Facts

• The album 'John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman' was reportedly inspired in part by hearing Nat King Cole’s 'Lush Life' on the radio en route to the recording session, prompting Hartman to insist on including the song.[4][7]
• Despite both having played with Dizzy Gillespie’s orchestra, Hartman and Coltrane never overlapped in the band; their first true collaboration was the 1963 album.[2][3][4]
• Hartman was initially reluctant to record with Coltrane, believing their styles might not mesh, but was convinced after attending a Coltrane Quartet performance at Birdland.[4][5]
• The album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013, cementing its status as a jazz classic.[4]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Billy Eckstine - Hartman cited Eckstine as a major influence on his vocal style and approach to ballads. (General influence, not specific albums) [1940s-1950s]

Key Collaborators

• John Coltrane - Coltrane selected Hartman for a unique vocal/instrumental collaboration, resulting in their only joint album. (John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman (1963)) [1963]
• McCoy Tyner - Pianist in the John Coltrane Quartet, accompanied Hartman on the album. (John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman (1963)) [1963]
• Elvin Jones - Drummer in the John Coltrane Quartet, played on the collaboration album. (John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman (1963)) [1963]
• Jimmy Garrison - Bassist in the John Coltrane Quartet, played on the collaboration album. (John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman (1963)) [1963]
• Art Blakey - Hartman toured Japan singing with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. (Live performances (Japan tour)) [1959]

Artists Influenced

• Kurt Elling - Elling has cited Hartman as a key influence on his approach to jazz vocals. (General vocal style) [1990s-present]
• Gregory Porter - Porter’s baritone style and ballad interpretations are often compared to Hartman’s. (General vocal style) [2010s-present]

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