Sep 23, 2026 - Culture

How to mark jazz giant John Coltrane's birthday in Philadelphia

Mike D'Onofrio

Close-up black-and-white photo of a jazz saxophonist with eyes closed, lips on the mouthpiece, wearing a suit and tie; the saxophone neck and keys appear on the left. — John Coltrane performing with his quartet in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in 1962. Photo: Bettmann via Getty

Wednesday marks the centennial of John Coltrane's birth, whose legendary career has deep roots in Philly.

Catch up quick: The pioneering jazz musician and saxophonist moved from North Carolina to Philly in the early 1940s. He later bought a Strawberry Mansion rowhouse, where he lived for six years.

That's where he kicked his heroin addiction and developed his signature sound, leading to his landmark 1960 album "Giant Steps" and later success.
Coltrane died in 1967.

Zoom in: Here's how you can mark what would have been Coltrane's 100th birthday:

📻 Listen: WRTI 90.1FM is running an all-day Coltrane marathon.
🍿 Watch: "Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary."
🎶 Go: Hear Coltrane's music performed by a trio led by saxophonist Jaleel Shaw starting at 6pm at Love Park.

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How to mark jazz giant John Coltrane's birthday in Philadelphia

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