Hawkins, Coleman 1904-69
US tenor saxophonist

Born in St Joseph, Missouri, he received piano lessons as a child and studied music at Washburn College, Topeka. In 1923 he joined the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra, where he laid the foundations of the tenor saxophone's future pre-eminence as a jazz solo instrument. During the 1930s he worked in Europe for five years, becoming the most influential jazz 'exile' of that period. Following his return to the USA in 1939, his recording of the ballad 'Body and Soul' became a benchmark for jazz saxophonists in the swing style. Renowned for his full tone and well-constructed improvisations, Hawkins later embraced the bebop movement and was also a member of the touring Jazz at the Philharmonic groups.