Ornette Coleman

Ornette Coleman was an American saxophonist and composer closely associated with the development of free jazz. His playing emphasized melodic freedom and collective improvisation over conventional harmonic constraints, and he led small ensembles that prioritized interactive, spontaneous group interplay. Coleman also developed a compositional approach known as harmolodics and performed on alto saxophone as well as trumpet and violin, making him a prominent figure in mid to late 20th century avant-garde jazz. He died in 2015.