Coleman Hawkins 11.21.04-5.19.69 tenor saxophone: swing, big band

Coleman Hawkins popularized the tenor saxophone and gathered a legion of followers who copied his style. In 1924 he joined Fletcher Henderson's band and began a tenure which lasted over a decade. In 1936 Hawkins recorded 'Body and Soul,' which is his most famous composition. At the time is was a huge hit and very innovative, because most of it was improvised. He participated in early bop dates after he hired Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and Max Roach. Coleman Hawkins is a true legend of 20th century music.