Backgrounds Quote by Frederick Lenz

John [Coltrane] was like a visitor to this planet. He came in peace and he left in peace; but during his time here, he…

— Albert Ayler

If there's any such thing as a perfect man, I think John Coltrane was one. And I think that kind of perfection has to…

— Elvin Jones

Bob Erlendson, a local piano player, taught me chord structure and which scales go along with them. Later, I began listening to [pianists] Bill…

— Lenny Breau

I am the flying saucer man from another world trapped on yours until they come to rescue me. One day the saucer will land.…

— Henry Rollins

To me John Coltrane was like an angel on earth. He struck me that deeply.

— Elvin Jones

For me, the bold jazz of John Coltrane and Miles Davis reflected the bold attitude in African-Americans finding their political identity and voice.

— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Lately, Ive been listening to some jazz albums. I love the new Pat Metheny album. John Coltrane. I still like good metal, though!

— Geezer Butler

When you're playing the part of a saxophone or a trumpet player, both of which I have done, it would be nice to be…

— Stephen Rea

John Coltrane is still probably one of the greatest musicians of this century. His tone truly puts demons on a leash. His gift is…

— Carlos Santana

Listen to John Coltrane enough and after two bars, just two bars at any place, and you know that's him. We all have signature…

— Bill Cosby

I love music/sounds that have a passion, a fire, an energy I can connect with. I love angry sounding beat tracks, dark sounds for…

— Mick Harris

As much as I think John Coltrane belongs on the list, I think without Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young, both of whom defined improvising…

— Herbie Mann