Biographical Information
Coleman Hawkins was a jazz saxophonist and songwriter from St. Joseph, Missouri, born November 21, 1904. According to DeVeaux (p.10), Hawkins is considered one of the indispensable tenors of saxophone pioneers, and his musical tactic expressively influenced the evolution of jazz music. Hawkins began performing the piano at age five and moved on to the cello and tenor saxophone (DeVeaux, p. 10). According to Giddins, when Coleman was nine, he began performing with a neighborhood ensemble and made his first recording in 1922 (Giddins, p. 164). Giddins reveals that Hawkins joined Mamie Smith’s Jazz Hounds and Fletcher Henderson’s ensemble in 1923. He led his ensemble and produced several recordings during the 1930s, including the renowned “Body and Soul” in 1939. He also played with Benny Goodman’s orchestra and appeared in the film “The Benny Goodman Story” (Giddins, p.165)
Hawkins is considered a forerunner of the bebop style, and his virtuoso singing and harmonic creations significantly impacted the evolution of jazz music. Giddins further argues that Hawkins was also distinguished for his aptitude to perform songs and up-tempo compositions equally well and his use of vibrato and melodic improvisation. Giddins asserts that Hawkins became involved in Afro-Cuban music in the 1940s and made several Latin jazz albums. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Hawkins continued to perform and record and received frequent tributes, including a Grammy in 1965. Hawkins died in New York City on May 19, 1969, leaving a legacy as one of the most substantial and famous saxophonists in jazz music antiquity (Giddins, p. 166).
Coleman Hawkins was a tenor saxophone inventor and a substantial initiator of jazz music. He had a long and eminent vocation, and his virtuosic playing and harmonic novelties endure to inspire and influence artists today. Hawkins’s accomplishments in the progression of jazz music cannot be overstated, and he remains a beloved and esteemed character in the jazz world.
Significant Accomplishments and Their Importance
According to DeVeaux, Coleman Hawkins’ major accomplishments are numerous and significant. He is acknowledged as one of jazz music’s greatest and most essential saxophonists. Hawkins was a tenor saxophone pioneer, and his virtuosic playing and harmonic inventions significantly influenced the evolution of jazz music (DeVeaux, p. 15). DeVeaux further affirms that Hawkins’ influence on promoting the tenor saxophone as a solo instrument was one of his most substantial accomplishments (DeVeaux, p. 20). Before Hawkins, as DeVeaux argues, the tenor saxophone was principally used in martial bands and as a background instrument in jazz groups. Hawkins’ playing tactic accentuated the instrument’s array and adaptability, and his performances contributed to the tenor saxophone’s recognition as a primary instrument in jazz (DeVeaux, p. 100). Generally, DeVeaux (p. 110) implies that Hawkins’ impression can be heard in the music of numerous saxophonists who came after him, comprising John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Stan Getz.
According to Owens (p. 20), Hawkins’ pioneering work in the bebop jazz style was another significant achievement. Owens affirms that Hawkins pioneered the technique, distinguished by fast tempos, complicated harmonies, and complex improvisation. In the 1940s, Hawkins made several bebop-influenced soundtracks with innovators such as Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk. Hawkins’ influences on the evolution of bebop significantly influenced the direction of jazz music and helped set the foundation for successive modern jazz styles (Owens, p. 25). As Owens argues, Hawkins’ influence goes beyond his efforts to the evolution of jazz music. He was also a pioneer in racial relations in the United States. As an African American singer, Hawkins encountered numerous difficulties and barriers throughout his career. Despite these difficulties, he persisted and became one of his generation’s most esteemed and celebrated musicians. Hawkins’ success paved the way for other African American artists, and his accomplishments continue to motivate and empower people today (Owens, p. 30).
Generally, Coleman Hawkins’ major accomplishments in jazz music are numerous and significant. He pioneered the tenor saxophone and played a crucial role in establishing it as a lead instrument in jazz. Coleman also contributed substantially to the creation of bebop, a style that significantly influenced jazz music. Hawkins’ success as an African American singer paved the way for other race musicians to follow in his footsteps. His legacy continues to motivate and affect musicians and jazz music lovers worldwide.
Discussion/Analysis of 3-5 Recordings/Videos
- “Body and Soul”by Coleman Hawkins (1939): According to Hawkins (p.20), “Body and Soul” is a classic jazz ballad and one of Coleman Hawkins’ most famous recordings. Hawkins showcases his virtuosic playing and harmonic innovations using vibrato and melodic improvisation in this recording. The recording also features the piano playing of Teddy Wilson, who provides a lush and sensitive accompaniment to Hawkins’ saxophone. The concept of harmony is evident in this recording, as Hawkins’ improvisations often involve creative and unexpected chord progressions. The use of rubato, or the manipulation of tempo, is also apparent in Hawkins’ playing, as he often plays with a relaxed and flexible sense of time (Hawkins, p. 20).
- “Body and Soul” by John Coltrane (1964): According to Bowen (p.259), nearly 25 years after Hawkins’ initial performance, John Coltrane released his version of “Body and Soul” on his album “Coltrane’s Sound.” The rendition by John Coltrane is noteworthy for its use of double-time and his trademark “sheets of sound” method, which includes playing rapid bursts of notes (Bowen, p.259). The concept of rhythm is prominent in this recording, as Coltrane’s use of double-time and complex rhythmic patterns give the piece a driving and energetic feel. Coltrane’s harmonic innovations are also on display as he explores the outer reaches of the chord changes and uses unusual scales and modes in his improvisations. Coltrane’s performance of “Body and Soul” is noteworthy for its novel approach to rhythm and harmony and its emotional intensity. This performance is no exception to Coltrane’s profoundly mystical approach to music. His passionate and soulful ballad performance displays his saxophone’s ability to communicate various feelings. The use of dynamics, phrasing, and vibrato by John Coltrane lends complexity and subtlety to his playing, making this performance a lesson in musical expression (Bowen, p. 260).
- “The Sheik of Araby” by Coleman Hawkins and Benny Carter (1952): According to Williams (p.10), the swinging jazz song “The Sheik of Araby” includes tenor saxophone Coleman Hawkins and alto saxophonist Benny Carter. Williams further argues that the incorporation of call-and-response between the two saxophonists as they play off each other’s improvisations and exchange solos is noteworthy in this recording. The concept of interaction is evident in this recording, as Hawkins and Carter engaged in a lively musical conversation. He also argues that the recording features the pianist Teddy Wilson, who provides a propulsive and swinging rhythm section. The concept of the groove is prominent in this recording, as Wilson’s driving swing feel sets the tone for the entire piece (Williams, p.12). “The Sheik of Araby” is a fun and upbeat recording that showcases Hawkins’ and Carter’s virtuosity and improvisational skills (Williams, p. 15). Both saxophonists take turns playing inventive and melodic solos, demonstrating their mastery of the bebop language. The recording also features a catchy and memorable melody, with Hawkins and Carter taking turns playing the head before launching into their solos (Williams, p.20). Overall, this recording is a prime example of the joy and energy characteristic of swing jazz, and it remains a classic and beloved work in the genre.
Personal Reflection
As I reviewed Coleman Hawkins’ life and accomplishments, I was fascinated by the assortment of his contributions to jazz music. Specifically, Hawkins made an indelible stamp on the genre that continues to reverberate today, from his groundbreaking recordings in the 1920s and 1930s to his ongoing expansion as a performer through the 1960s and beyond. One element of Hawkins’ career that stuck out to me was his position as a tenor saxophone pioneer. His warm and robust tone, technical skill, and inventive use of melody and cadence contributed to the tenor saxophone becoming a prominent voice in jazz music. From Lester Young to Sonny Rollins, Hawkins’s influence can be heard in the playing of numerous saxophonists who followed his path. Another aspect of Hawkins’ career that I identified as fascinating was his aptitude to familiarize himself and develop with the changing times. Hawkins continually stretched the limits of what was possible in jazz music, from his early swing recordings to his more exploratory work in the 1950s and 1960s. His collaborations with other performers, such as the Benny Carter performance of “The Sheik of Araby,” demonstrated his ability to converse musically with his peers. Overall, my exploration of Coleman Hawkins’ life and achievements left me with a profound respect for his contributions to jazz music. Hawkins’s technical prowess, innovative spirit, and enduring legacy make him a true genre giant, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations.
Works Cited
Bowen, José Antonio. “Who plays the tune in “body and soul”? A performance history using recorded sources.” Journal of the Society for American Music 9.3 (2015): 259-292.
DeVeaux, Scott Knowles. The birth of bebop: A social and musical history. Univ of California Press, 1997.
Giddins, Gary. “Coleman Hawkins, Patriarch.” The Antioch Review 56.2 (1998): 164-176.
Hawkins, Coleman, et al. Body and soul. Victor Jazz, 1996.
Owens, Thomas. Bebop: The music and its players. Oxford University Press, 1996.
Williams, Martin. The jazz tradition. Oxford University Press on Demand, 1993.
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