Hawkins, Coleman (1904-1969), was the first important improviser on tenor saxophone in jazz. His full rich tone and superb fluency made him one of the most widely imitated instrumentalists of the 1930’s and 1940’s.
Hawkins was born on Nov. 21, 1904, in St. Joseph, Missouri. While a teen-ager, he went to New York City with a jazz group that accompanied blues singer Mamie Smith. From 1923 to 1934, while playing in Fletcher Henderson’s orchestra, he gained an international reputation. He was extremely popular in other countries and he moved to Europe in 1934, returning to the United States in 1939. He recorded an improvised solo based on the song “Body and Soul” in 1939. It became a best seller and his most memorable performance. After 1940, Hawkins led small groups and toured with the “Jazz at the Philharmonic” concert series. He died on May 19, 1969.
