John Coltrane at 100: How a Jazz Legend Shaped Modern Pop, Hip-Hop, and Everything in Between

When John Coltrane died in 1967 at just 40 years old, he left behind a musical legacy so profound it would echo through every genre for decades to come. This September 23, the music world celebrates what would’ve been his 100th birthday with a centennial that’s bigger than ever. Thanks to Verve Label Group and multiple record labels, a yearlong celebration is introducing Coltrane’s genius to millions of listeners who might never have discovered him otherwise. The crown jewel? The Tiberi Tapes—400+ hours of never-before-released live recordings captured between 1961 and 1965 by saxophonist Frank Tiberi. These recordings are legitimately lost treasure, giving fans and new listeners a completely fresh perspective on one of music’s greatest innovators.

But here’s what makes this centennial matter for everyone listening right now: Coltrane’s influence is literally everywhere in the music you already love. Ariana Grande’s mega-hit“Seven Rings”interpolates his“My Favorite Things.”Kendrick Lamar counts him as a crucial influence. OutKast, the Beastie Boys, Flying Lotus, and countless hip-hop and contemporary artists have sampled, referenced, or been directly inspired by Coltrane’s sound. Even Bill Clinton has spoken about Coltrane’s spiritual significance. His music transcends jazz entirely, touching rock, pop, hip-hop, and even film and television. The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, Vanilla Sky—Coltrane’s work appears in the cultural moments that define generations.

The strategy behind this celebration is refreshingly smart. Instead of keeping Coltrane’s legacy in jazz museums and stuffy concert halls, Verve is bringing him to TikTok, Instagram, streaming playlists, and YouTube. They’re positioning him as what he actually is: a timeless artist whose spiritual, meditative music speaks to everyone. The Hollywood Bowl’s“Coltrane 100: Legacy”symphonic reimagining on September 23, plus listening events at legendary recording studios, show that this isn’t just for collectors. It’s for anyone curious about where modern music comes from and why certain artists achieve true immortality. Have you heard The Tiberi Tapes yet, or is there a Coltrane song that changed your perspective on music?