Today, we are sharing one more post from our visit down in High Point. We finally got to see the John Coltrane monument/statue. Jazz musician John Coltrane was born in Hamlet (Richmond County), North Carolina. However, he grew up in High Point, attending Penn Griffin High School- now Penn Griffin School for the Arts. The above statue is only about a mile from his school. Mr. Coltrane, who learned to play saxophone in High Point, is said to be one of the most influential saxophonists of all time.
The Coltrane monument in High Point is an 8' bronze sculpture at the intersection of Commerce Avenue and Hamilton Street. It is as if he is watching over Furniture Market. The sculptor is Thomas Jay Warren and the statue was dedicated in 2006. Near the statue is a commemorative sign, historic marker, and a couple of benches, perfect for sitting and reflecting on the influence this great musician had on so many people. His memory continues to live on. The people who were involved in fundraising for the statue were instrumental in starting the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival. If you like John Coltrane's music, mark your calendar for the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival, Labor Day Weekend 2022. And, if you want to hear some great blues music before September, the weekend of May 21st and 22nd, Downtown Greensboro will host the 36th annual Carolina Blues Festival.
I didn't know he was from there.
Posted by: William Kendall | Wednesday, April 06, 2022 at 07:15 PM