Alice Lucille Coltrane Swamini Turiyasangitananda
Alice Lucille Coltrane also known as Swamini Turiyasangitananda is known as a jazz musician, composer, band leader and spiritual leader within the Hindu religion. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan she was surrounded my musical talent within her family. Growing up in the church she performed in the choir along with her many siblings.
Known as an accomplished pianist and one of few harpists within the jazz community. She recorded many albums within the hight of her career during the 1960’s. She was married to the renowned jazz saxophonist, John Coltrane. Together they performed in the late 1960’s. Her music incorporated spiritual elements influenced by her personal practices. In the 1970’s Coltranes focus shifted towards her religious and spiritual education. in 1975 she founded the Shanti Anantan asham in Calabasas, California where she served as the spiritual director. While dedicating the majority of her time and energy to her spiritual work she still recorded several jazz and devotion albums throughout the 1980’s, 90’s and 2000’s.
Alice Coltranes musical journey started from a vey young age, born to a family fall of musical talent, by middle school she was playing the organ in her local church. in 1950 Coltrane moved to Paris to continue studying classical music. After ten years she moved back to Detroit. Where her musical talent and career progressed, in the 1060’s Coltrane began playing jazz piano professionally in Detroit in her own duo and trio groups. Until she finally joined John Coltranes quartet, where she played until his passing in 1967.
After the passing of her late husband John Coltrane, Swamini was introduced to spiritual practice through yoga and Hindu mantra. As her spiritual education and practice strengthened, elements of her religion began to influence her music. A core aspect of her worship was through mantra and song, which her accompanied on the organ, piano and harp. Developing her own Vedic melodies and experimenting with mixing traditional Vedic song and mantras with modern composition styles like synthesizers and musical structures and styles coming from Gospel music. Strongly influenced by Sai Baba and her origins coming from the church, Swaminis music in the 1980 and 1990 had heavy influence from gospel and bhajans.
Seen to the left: far left, Amala Dlamini (dojo cat), middle, Swamini (Alice Coltrane), far right my mother with me in her arms.
Fun fact: my mother and grandmother were devotees of Swamini and practiced in her temple. It is where my mother was married and Swamini officiated the wedding. In 2003 when I was born my birth was christened by Swamini in the Shanti Anantan ashram, along with the birth of both my brothers. When Swamini passed in 2007 I remember being present for her funeral ceremonies.
Known for its improvisation, syncopated rhythms, and complex harmonies. Blending African musical traditions with blues and ragtime, jazz has evolved into various styles like swing, bebop, and fusion. Key instruments include brass, piano, bass, and drums, with legends like Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis shaping its legacy. Jazz remains a dynamic art form celebrated for its creativity and cultural impact.
