Canonization of Saint John Coltrane

Introduction to the Saint John Coltrane Church

  • Located in San Francisco, part of the African Orthodox Church.

  • Canonized patron saint: John Coltrane.

  • Founded in 1969 by Archbishop Franzo King and his wife, Supreme Mother Marina King.

  • Family involvement: Their daughter, Wanika Stephens, is also a pastor.

Early Beginnings

  • The church originated as a Jazz Club in the couple’s garage in 1964.

  • Initially a listening group where members would bring new jazz albums.

  • Introduction to Coltrane's music occurred when someone played "A Love Supreme" in the listening sessions.

  • Significance of "A Love Supreme":

    • Features liner notes by Coltrane expressing a spiritual awakening in 1957 due to music.

    • Reflects his gratitude and desire to uplift others through his music.

Spiritual Evolution

  • The Kings initially skeptical of Coltrane's music, particularly influenced by F.W. King's background as the son of a Pentecostal minister.

  • A transformative concert at the Jazz Workshop changed their perception of Coltrane's music to something sacred.

  • F.W. King describes Coltrane’s sound as a sound baptism, marking their rebirth as believers in his music.

Coltrane's Impact and Legacy

  • Coltrane's music encapsulated a blend of melody, chaos, and unique sound evolutions, deeply affecting listeners.

  • He became an icon beyond music, compared to figures like Clapton and Johnson.

  • Criticism and mythology transformed Coltrane's posthumous image into that of a martyr after his death in 1967 at age 40.

Religious Affiliation and Community Engagement

  • Kings’ engagement with the Black Panther Party and broader civil rights movement.

  • Coltrane’s music was embraced by activists for its passionate messages of peace and rebellion.

  • King began to see their garage sessions as a form of worship, aligning spirituality with Coltrane’s teachings.

The Formation of the Church

  • The church evolved from the garage into a storefront in Visitation Valley.

  • Named the Yardbird Temple Vanguard Revolutionary Church of the Hour, later renamed to Saint John Coltrane African Orthodox Church.

  • Coltrane's music was used to convey spiritual messages during church services; "A Love Supreme" structured like a prayer service.

Controversies and Challenges

  • Controversial moments included a lawsuit from Alice Coltrane, seeking control over her late husband’s name and legacy.

  • Lawsuit ended, leading to recognition by the African Orthodox Church, who canonized Coltrane as a saint in 1982.

The Essence of Coltrane’s Music

  • The Kings advocate Coltrane as a means of addressing social and personal issues.

  • Coltrane's music defined community resilience and hope amid struggles.

  • Emphasis on universal themes of love, spirituality, and redemption in Coltrane’s work.

Conclusion: Coltrane's Enduring Appeal

  • The nature of Coltrane's music resonates as spiritual experiences akin to religious epiphanies.

  • Coltrane remains a figure central to discussions of spirituality in music, attracting followers and admirers as a modern saint.

  • His legacy continues to inspire new generations who find deeper meaning in both his music and the community around it.