Poster Alice Coltrane
Alice Coltrane is also known by her adopted Sanskrit name Turiyasangitananda.
Chuck Stewart
Rhapsody in Black

Alice Coltrane uses music to heal and find peace

Rhapsody in Black - Alice Coltrane
DOWNLOAD

Jazz pianist and harpist Alice Coltrane studied classical and gospel early on. Alice thought it was “truly profound music with highly intellectual ambiance.” But jazz is where her passion is. She said, “Although, with jazz music, you can develop your creativity, improvisation and expression. This greatly inspires me."

She studied jazz with Bud Powell in Paris. After that, she became a professional jazz musician performing in Detroit and eventually New York City. That’s where she met and married saxophonist John Coltrane. The two embarked on a journey of deep spiritual and musical exploration. After his passing, Alice turned to Hindu spiritual guidance, which has influenced her music since.

Credits

Host: Vernon Neal

Producer: Dan Nass

Writers: Andrea Blain and Scott Blankenship

Executive Producer: Julie Amacher

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest Rhapsody in Black Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest Rhapsody in Black Episodes

Flutist, composer and producer Allison Loggins-Hull 'defies classification'
5:00
Meet Vernon Neal, the host of 'Rhapsody in Black'
RZA’s 'Ballet Through the Mud'

RZA’s 'Ballet Through the Mud'

Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known in the hip-hop world as RZA, is a founding member of the hip-hop collective Wu Tang Clan. Nowadays, he’s taking things a step further by writing a ballet. Find out more on the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

5:00
The voice of Whitney Houston

The voice of Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston’s musical legacy was recently celebrated in a concert tribute at the Kennedy Center. Her powerful voice soared through heart-rending pop ballads, and she could hold her own in an operatic aria, too. Find out more on the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

5:00
Bassist Joseph Conyers aims to help young musicians ignite change in their communities
5:00
Composer Jessie Montgomery uses music to connect with the world
5:00
Conductor Kedrick Armstrong looks to the past and the future
5:00
Pamela Z expands the boundaries of classical music
5:00
Grammy-nominated cellist Seth Parker Woods pushes boundaries of classical music
5:00
Stevie Wonder, the influential artist who transformed R&B and funk music

Stevie Wonder, the influential artist who transformed R&B and funk music

Explore the legendary career of Stevie Wonder, the influential artist who transformed R&B and funk music. From his soulful voice to his groundbreaking compositions, learn about his classical music roots, record-breaking hits and his magnum opus. Find out more on the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

5:00
VIEW ALL EPISODES

About Rhapsody in Black

Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.

Subscribe to the podcast:  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicTuneInRSS Feed

About Rhapsody in Black