ort time. He sparked Coltrane’s interest in philosophy and religion. He also introduced him to authors like Kahlil Gibran and suggested he read the Koran (17).During this time Coltrane’s heroin addiction increased. Once, while on tour with Gillespie’s band, Coltrane passed out and had to be revived by mouth-to-mouth resuscitation by another band member (18). He pawned items for money to buy drugs, and he would many times show up late for gigs. At a show in Canada, Coltrane didn’t even show up (19). He finally left the band in May 1950 (Wild).Although John Coltrane turned to drugs and alcohol during much of the 1950s, some positive things also happened in his life (Ressner 122). He began to focus on education in the early 1950s, particularly ejoying philosophy. He played in clubs such as Cafe Society and Joe Pitt’s Musical Bar to bring in some money (Fraim 21). Coltrane joined the Earl Bostic band in 1952. Bostic knew a great deal about the saxophone, and Coltrane benefited from his knowledge (21). He learned about fingering techniques and also Bostic’s sound which differed from most saxophonists of that time (22).After leaving Bostic’s band, Coltrane joined an old idol of his, Johnny Hodges, in 1953. Coltrane learned new styles from Hodges. He learned styles of stretching the notes, lingering, and caressing them. This was a very important time for Coltrane. He took this musical knowledge and used it in his own recordings for many years (22). Unfortunately, Coltrane’s usage of drugs worsened and Hodges had to let him go in the fall of 1954 (23).After this, Coltrane hit his low point. He played in bars to make enough money to feed hisself and his drug addiction. He even became an embarassment to his friends when he would play in certain clubs (23).It was then in 1954 that Coltrane met Naima, a Moslem (23). She had an interest in astrology and also came from a musical backg...
