On May 16, Carnegie Hall will host a once-in-a-lifetime tribute celebration of an artist whose music transcended genre, culture, and time: COSMIC MUSIC: The Celestial Songs of Alice Coltrane. With a lineup that includes Alice’s daughter Michelle Coltrane, her son Ravi Coltrane, and her grand-nephew Flying Lotus (Steven Ellison), the event marks a powerful full-circle moment for a family rooted in music, spirituality, and transformation.
Ahead of the performance, I had the opportunity to speak with Michelle Coltrane — a vocalist, composer, and Artistic Director of the John and Alice Coltrane Home — about her mother’s remarkable life, musical legacy, and spiritual impact.
Detroit Beginnings
Alice Coltrane, born Alice McLeod, grew up in Detroit — a city brimming with music, spirituality, and ambition. Michelle recalled her mother’s childhood being filled with church music, neighborhood musicians, and hours spent practicing piano while other kids played outside. That early discipline and inspiration laid the foundation for her future path.
The Meeting of Spirits
Alice’s journey led her to New York, where she met and eventually married John Coltrane. Their creative and spiritual bond would produce not just musical milestones but a shared life of purpose. Michelle remembered being in close proximity to their genius, even as a small child — crawling near John’s saxophone case and feeling the warmth of their creative world.
Music, Motherhood, and Devotion
After John’s death, Alice — then 29 and raising four young children — turned deeper into her music and spirituality. She established the Sai Anantam Ashram in California, and her home became a space for weekly teachings, bhajans, and reflection.
“She didn’t chase approval. She followed her spirit.”
—Michelle Coltrane
Though Alice’s work was often labeled as avant-garde or spiritual jazz, Michelle explained that it was more than a genre — it was a lived expression of devotion.
The Coltrane Home
The Long Island house where John and Alice lived has since been named a historical landmark and is being preserved as the John and Alice Coltrane Home. Michelle, now Artistic Director of the organization, has helped lead its restoration with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose.
A Spiritual Legacy
Alice’s compositions drew from gospel, jazz, Indian classical music, and spiritual teachings. Her albums — from Journey in Satchidananda to Universal Consciousness — remain deeply influential.
Returning to Carnegie Hall
Alice performed at Carnegie Hall many times throughout her life, including a 1971 benefit for the Integral Yoga Institute. Michelle remembers that era well, having even joined her mother on stage as a young violinist.
This May, Michelle returns to that very stage, performing alongside Ravi Coltrane, Flying Lotus, harpist Brandee Younger, and members of Alice’s spiritual community.
“It’s not a concert — it’s an offering.”
—Michelle Coltrane
The restored harp once used by Alice will also be featured — a symbolic and literal return of her presence to the venue.
The Year of Alice
This performance marks the culmination of “The Year of Alice,” a series of tributes and events across the country. The celebration has also been a healing process for Michelle, allowing her to reflect, connect, and continue her mother’s legacy with intention.
“What’s been most rewarding is that I get to talk about her and smile — not just hold the grief. I get to make up for all the times I snuck out the window as a teenager… This is how I say thank you now.”
She also sees it as a way to contribute to the future:
“I’m grateful to be in a position to leave this in a tidy box for the next generation.”
—Michelle Coltrane
Final Reflections
As COSMIC MUSIC approaches, Michelle hopes the performance inspires others to live more truthfully and spiritually — just as her mother did.
Alice Coltrane’s legacy is not just one of sound, but of soul — of honoring one’s calling, embracing discipline, and making space for joy, even through loss.
COSMIC MUSIC: The Celestial Songs of Alice Coltrane takes place May 16, 2025, at Carnegie Hall. For tickets and more information, visit carnegiehall.org.
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