Coleman Hawkins

Coleman Hawkins- Coleman Hawkins was born in 1906. This gave him the necessary years to develop more uses for the Tenor saxophone. He began his life by studying harmonies and composition. He first began playing saxophone at the early age of nine! His playing led him to New York City, where he would play with Louis Armstrong and the fantastic Henderson Orchestra. While working with the orchestra he participated in some of the first interracial recordings. After visiting Europe and playing for awhile Coleman came back to the U.S. When he got back he recorded two landmark swing era albums. His interest in harmonic structure led to the creation of what is considered as the beginning of next generation of Jazz. Miles Davis learned the meaning of ballads from his playing. Lester Young looked upon Coleman as if he was a god. His career slowly declined, but his impact on the jazz evolution will forever be recognized.