Why We Love Coltrane (Reenvisioning)

Why We Love Coltrane celebrates American jazz saxophonist and composer John Coltrane. Designed by artist Ernel Martinez, the mural features several moments in the life of the 20th-century musical giant who lived in Philadelphia and whose influence transcends musical styles, genres, and cultural boundaries.

This is the third mural on the subject of John Coltrane. The first one, Tribute to John Coltrane painted by John Lewis in 2002, was lost to building demolition in 2014. The second one, Why We Love Coltrane also designed by Ernel Martinez, was completed in 2016. It still exists but was almost completely obscured by new construction in 2020. The artist took advantage of this new opportunity to create a new design that includes several moments in his life (including a scene with his wife), and the home in which he lived for about eight years. The Coltrane house, also located in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood of Philadelphia, is being developed as a museum.

The dedication for this mural included a workshop/listening session conducted by Dr. Anyabwile Love, Professor of African American Studies and coordinator of the John Coltrane Symposium, and a special performance by the Alfie Pollitt Trio.