September 20, 1956

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Composer, bandleader, and instrumentalist Steve Coleman was born in Chicago on September 20, 1956.

Chicagoans Von Freeman and Bunky Green provided an early foundation for his ear as did Sonny Stitt.

In 1978, he headed to NYC where he played with big bands like Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Slide Hampton’s big band, Sam Rivers’ Studio Rivbea Orchestra, and briefly in Cecil Taylor’s big band.

In 2014 drummer Billy Hart said that “Coleman has quietly influenced the whole jazz musical world,” and is the “next logical step” after Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Ornette Coleman.

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