New York Legislature Commemorates John Coltrane’s Centennial With Resolution

New York Legislature Commemorates John Coltrane’s Centennial With Resolution

New York State Capitol Ceremony Latest in Year of Events Marking 100th Anniversary of Jazz Legend’s Birth on September 23

ALBANY, NY, April 28, 2026 -- The New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate today passed a legislative resolution “celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the birth of John Coltrane, renowned artistic trailblazer and innovative New York jazz musician.” In a ceremony conducted at the New York State Capitol building, members of the Legislature joined representatives of Impulse!, the jazz great’s record label in the latest event of COLTRANE 100, a global, year-long series organized by the Coltrane Estate to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the jazz legend’s birth on September 23, 1926.

Sponsored by Senators Cordell Cleare and Jamaal Bailey, and Assemblymember Jordan J.G. Wright, Resolution J1845 was passed unanimously by both chambers.

In a statement, the Coltrane Estate said, “Thank you, New York, for this great honor and recognition of the work and contributions of John Coltrane. New York played such a special role in his life and career. This resolution will be a permanent fixture of the collection at the John and Alice Coltrane Home in Dix Hills, NY – site of the definitive Coltrane collection - and we encourage all to visit that cultural and educational landmark. We thank Senators Cordell Cleare and Jamaal Bailey, and Assemblymember Jordan J.G. Wright.”

 "We celebrate the iconic legacy of John Coltrane in Harlem every year with a Jazz Appreciation Festival that brings together legendary musicians performing from the Coltrane Catalogue. COLTRANE 100 represents an incredible opportunity to expand our efforts at the very same time as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance and the establishment of the Harlem Renaissance Cultural District." - NY State Senator Cordell Cleare  

“John Coltrane was more than a musician, he was a critical force and an icon whose art transformed the musical landscape that we know today. He was nurtured by New York's vibrant cultural landscape, and this resolution is a vital step in ensuring his contributions to the global arts remain part of our state’s history. By officially commemorating the 100th anniversary of his birth, we are not only honoring a legendary New Yorker but also preserving a legacy of artistic courage and spiritual inquiry for future generations.” - NY State Senator Jamaal Bailey

“Today is, without a doubt, one of my proudest days as a public servant and one I will not soon forget. I was raised to recognize and cherish Black excellence in any form, and it simply does not get any more excellent than Coltrane with a saxophone. As a young child, my grandfather would regale me with stories and lessons from the years he spent as a lawyer representing the likes of Mr. Coltrane, Miles Davis, Max Roach and Art Blakey, among other trailblazers. I am in awe of those stories today just as I was then, and I am proud of them and my grandfather’s role in bringing such greatness to the American stage. It is the highest honor to honor John Coltrane and share his greatness with my colleagues and members of the Coltrane family. Since the beginning, Harlem has had a love affair with John Coltrane that can only be characterized as a love supreme.” - NY State Assemblyman Jordan J.G. Wright

Born and raised in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, respectively, Coltrane had deep ties to New York. Moving to New York City in 1957 at the age of 31, he cemented his reputation as an icon of jazz and a cornerstone of the New York jazz scene. The resolution details Coltrane’s contributions to music, his historic performances at venues across New York City and notably in Harlem, his residence in Dix Hills, NY and his interment in Farmingdale, NY.

COLTRANE 100 celebrates an artist whose work reshaped the language, ambition, and purpose of music. Today, more than fifty-eight years after his passing, John Coltrane remains one of the most vital and influential figures in modern culture. His music is probing, spiritual, endlessly exploratory, and continues to reach new listeners, transcending genre, generation and geography. 

Recent COLTRANE 100 highlights include a Record Store Day exclusive preview of the newly discovered Tiberi Tapes, which were released as a single LP on April 18 (Verve/Impulse!). Recorded by fan and amateur engineer Frank Tiberi between 1961 and 1965, these tapes have often been regarded as a “holy grail” by Coltrane fans. 

Other recent highlights include the inclusion of a Coltrane-themed clue in the April 6 episode of Jeopardy! Coltrane was included in the category of “In The Navy”, which featured notable cultural figures who served in the U.S. Navy. 

Live performances are a feature of COLTRANE 100. In addition to the previously-announced L.A. premiere of Coltrane 100: Legacy at the Hollywood Bowl on September 23 featuring Lakecia Benjamin, a new date in this symphonic concert series has been added. On July 22 at Philadelphia’s TD Pavilion, in a performance conducted by Edwin Outwater and featuring The Philadelphia Orchestra, Ravi Coltrane will star in his first-ever performance of Coltrane’s standards adapted for orchestra. Coltrane 100: Legacy debuted earlier this year in St. Louis with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and soloist Joe Lovano, conducted by Edwin Outwater. Tickets are on sale for these performances beginning today at 10:00am Eastern Time.

Additional live celebrations include the just-announced 2026 Newport Jazz Festival lineup featuring a tribute to John Coltrane and Miles Davis timed to their 100th birthdays, with performances by Kamasi Washington, Chief Adjuah, and more. 

Photo Credit: Bob Thiele