People, Locations, Episodes

Coleman Hawkins, Jazz Tenor Saxophonist born

Coleman Hawkins

Coleman Hawkins, a Black jazz composer and saxophonist, was born on this date in 1904.

Coleman Randolph Hawkins was from St. Joseph, MO. His mother was a schoolteacher and organist and introduced him to music. Hawkins started playing piano at five but later switched to cello and the saxophone.  In 1921, he played with the 12th Street Theater in Kansas City while studying music at the industrial and educational institute and Washburn College in Topeka, KS.  Beginning in 1922, he played with Fletcher Henderson's band, recording with Black Swan Records. It made him a star and continued for 11.

Hawkins toured Europe for five years, playing with groups from Belgium, France, and Denmark. His most important records were "One Hour" and “Body and Soul,” which made him the tenor sax landmark of the 20th century.  In the 1940s, Hawkins put together a big band and performed with Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Navarro, and others.

Coleman Hawkins continued to appear at jazz festivals and clubs in his later years. Liver problems and alcohol took their toll, and he died in 1969 at 65.

To Become a Musician or Singer