Celebrity musicians and more modest jazz fans are teaming up with hopes to convert John Coltrane's final home into a museum honoring the legendary saxophonist. The home, in Dix Hills on Long Island, was in line for demolition as recently as 2011, was where Coltrane composed A Love Supreme, simply one of the greatest jazz records of all time. He only lived at the residence for three years before dying of cancer at the age of 40.
"The Coltrane Home is a beacon to anyone interested in jazz history, cultural history, African-American history, New York history and American history," said guitarist Carlos Santana at a fundraiser in Manhattan. The rocker, who released the album Love Devotion Surrender with John McLaughlin as a tribute to the saxophonist, has worked with Coltrane's son Ravi and writer Cornel West to promote the cause.
Ron Stein, the chief operating officer of the Friends of the John Coltrane Home, says the goal is to raise about $1.5 million dollars for the project. Ultimately, they'd like to open the museum to mark the 50th anniversary of A Love Supreme during 2014, but he doesn't see the organization raising the funds in time. So far, they've only gotten about $120,000.
Still, that total is welcome compared to the fate that almost befell the home during 2011. A developer had bought the decrepit property with plans to demolish the home and build condos. Fortunately an apt jazz fan in the area, Steve Fulgoni, had the wherewithal to bring the subject up with the local Huntington community. Town officials designated $975,000 to buy the property, but told Fulgoni and supporters that the museum itself would be privately funded if it were to happen.
If the grand opening needs to wait until Supreme's 60th anniversary, we're sure music fans wouldn't be too bothered. It's just nice to have the house safe.
