music
March 20, 2026
‘She sounded like the cosmos breathing’: David Byrne, Flying Lotus and more on the greatness of Alice Coltrane
The radical work of the musician and composer was dismissed by sexist critics and overshadowed by the legacy of her late husband John. But today, musical stars from Doja Cat to David Byrne all champion her experimental sound
TL;DR
- Alice Coltrane's contributions are being recognized 19 years after her death, with the publication of her first biography and a major exhibition.
- She was integral to John Coltrane's late work, not just as a partner but as a formidable musician in her own right, skilled in classical and gospel music.
- Her solo work expanded significantly after John's death, incorporating global instruments, harp, and lavish orchestral arrangements to create immersive sound worlds.
- Contemporary critics often dismissed her work, focusing on her husband's legacy and making gendered assumptions, thus excluding her from the jazz canon.
- Her influence has spread across various genres, including rock, electronic music, hip-hop, and contemporary jazz, with artists like Flying Lotus, Thuston Moore, and Sheila Maurice-Gray citing her impact.
- Even pop star Doja Cat has been influenced by Coltrane's music, having lived in her ashram community as a child.
- Coltrane's music is seen as particularly relevant today for its expressions of love, spiritual truths, and expansive qualities in a time of crisis.
- Her work continues to ripple outwards, with her life story of struggle and transcendence being as fascinating as her ever-growing influence.