The acrylic, collage and pencil illustrations of Sean Qualls grace the pages of this colorful picture book When John was a Jazz Giant offering insights into the early life and influences of John Coltrane, one of the greatest jazz musicians to ever live. There were "hambones knocking in Grandma's pots, Daddy strumming the ukulele, and Mama cranking the phonograph." There were preachers praying, music on the radio, songbirds, and sorrowful funeral sounds...all vivid sounds taken in by young Coltrane, who was "all ears." Author Carole Boston Weatherford has included a brief biography along with selected CD listings, and further sources for information on this legendary jazz saxophonist.
Before John was a Jazz Giant is a 2009 Correta Scott King illustrator honor book.
This lyrical book would be a great addition to the elementary library. It would be a good resource for Black History Month as well as a multi cultural lesson as it celebrates African American culture through the life and music of John Coltrane
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