WKCR is excited to announce our annual birthday broadcast of a legendary figure in the world of jazz, Ornette Coleman. Ornette Coleman, born on March 9th, 1930 in Fort Worth, Texas, was an alto saxophonist, trumpeter, violinist, and composer who became one of the biggest innovators in jazz music, and is credited as one of the pioneers of what critics often regard as “free jazz”.

Similar to how Miles Davis is often credited in ushering in a new trend of music with his album “Birth of the Cool”, Coleman’s 1959 Atlantic release “The Shape of Jazz to Come” as well as his 1960 release “Free Jazz: A Collective Improvisation” is often credited with profoundly steering the future course of avant-garde jazz. However, his influence went far beyond jazz. At a tribute concert in 2014, which was also his last performance, fellow artists on the bill included: Patti Smith, Laurie Anderson, Nels Cline, and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This could be due to his willingness to evolve beyond what critics labeled as the distinctive Ornette sound. In the 70s Coleman took to playing with electrified instruments on albums such as “Prime Time”, and in the 80s albums such as “Virgin Beauty” and “Of Human Feelings” made heavy use of rock and funk rhythms.

To commemorate Ornette Coleman's birthday, and his importance on a world of artists that came after him, WKCR's special broadcast will present an in depth look at his long and remarkable career.Listeners can tune in to the WKCR birthday broadcast of Ornette Coleman on 89.9FM or stream it live on our website, wkcr.org. Follow WKCR on Instagram (@wkcr) and Twitter (@WKCRFM) for updates about this special broadcast and future events. Online listening is available 24/7 at wkcr.org via our web stream.