Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
My Take
Coleman Hawkins is, to me, simply foundational. He took the tenor saxophone, an instrument once treated as novelty, and gave it gravity, phrasing and soul, becoming one of the first true jazz voices on the horn. His 1939 Body and Soul remains a landmark of improvisation, a record that essentially rewrote what a solo could be. Born in 1904 and active until his death in 1969, Hawk lived through and shaped nearly the entire arc of jazz history. That warm, commanding tone still floors me. He wasn't just a great player; he was an architect of the language itself.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Coleman Hawkins
- Name (Japanese)
- コールマン・ホーキンス
- Reading
- こーるまん・ほーきんす
- Born
- November 21, 1904 – May 19, 1969
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Scorpio / Dragon
- Origin
- St. Joseph, Missouri, United States
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- Private
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- saxophonist / jazz musician / composer / musician
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- Topeka High School
- University
- Private
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
6. Links
Frequently asked questions
When was Coleman Hawkins born?
November 21, 1904 – May 19, 1969.
Where is Coleman Hawkins from?
Coleman Hawkins is from St. Joseph, Missouri, United States.
What does Coleman Hawkins do?
Coleman Hawkins works as saxophonist, jazz musician, composer, musician.
Saxophonist — see all → · Jazz musician — see all → · More people from United States →
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-21
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.