Randolph Denard Ornette Coleman was an American jazz saxophonist, trumpeter, violinist, and composer. He is best known as a principal founder of the free jazz genre, a term derived from his 1960 album Free Jazz: A Collective Improvisation. His pioneering works often abandoned the harmony-based composition, tonality, chord changes, and fixed rhythm found in earlier jazz idioms; instead, Coleman emphasized an experimental approach to improvisation rooted in ensemble playing and blues phrasing. Thom Jurek of AllMusic called him "one of the most beloved and polarizing figures in jazz history", noting that while "now celebrated as a fearless innovator and a genius, he was initially regarded by peers and critics as rebellious, disruptive, and even a fraud."
Ornette Coleman, American saxophonist, violinist, trumpet player, and composer (born 1930)
On June 11, in the year 2015, Ornette Coleman, American saxophonist, violinist, trumpet player, and composer (born 1930). This event is recorded as a Notable Deaths event in the history of June 11, a notable event in this corner of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including Ornette Coleman. Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on June 11, 2015 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Deaths event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 27 May 2026.
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This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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