60K views · 3.3K reactions | Today is the anniversary of the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. John Coltrane composed his song “Alabama” in response to the tragic event. | John Coltrane | Facebook

178K views · 5K reactions | Coltrane was inspired by Martin Luther King’s speech, delivered in the church sanctuary three days after the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, and patterned his saxophone playing on it. Like the speech, “Alabama” shifts its tone from one of mourning to one of renewed determination for the struggle against racially motivated crimes. | John Coltrane | Facebook

In an open letter in 1964, John Coltrane wrote, “I humbly asked to be given the means and privilege to make others happy through music.” To Coltrane, a musician was a message-giver; making music was an endeavor tied to a larger, greater good. “I know that there are bad forces, forces that bring suffering to others and misery to the world. I want to be the opposite force. I want to be the force which is truly for good.” 🎬"Alabama" is believed to be written in response to the 16th Street Baptist

The John Coltrane Quartet performs “Impressions” John Coltrane, tenor saxophone McCoy Tyner, piano Jimmy Garrison, bass Elvin Jones, drums | John Coltrane