Editing Philadelphia Jazz (section)

== History ==

=== Early Jazz and Swing Era ===

Jazz arrived in Philadelphia in the 1920s as the music spread from New Orleans through major cities. The city's African American neighborhoods, particularly around South Street and Ridge Avenue, supported clubs and dance halls where jazz flourished. Philadelphia musicians joined the swing bands of the 1930s and 1940s, traveling nationally while maintaining connections to the local scene.<ref name="jazz"/>

=== Bebop and Hard Bop ===

The post-World War II era produced Philadelphia's most influential generation of jazz musicians. Saxophonists John Coltrane and Benny Golson, trumpeter Lee Morgan, pianist McCoy Tyner, and others emerged from Philadelphia's jazz community to reshape the music. Granoff School of Music and private teachers including Dennis Sandole trained many of these artists. The concentration of talent in Philadelphia during this period rivaled New York as a jazz center.<ref name="jazz"/>

John Coltrane, though born in North Carolina, developed his mature style in Philadelphia during the 1950s, practicing obsessively and performing locally before his breakthrough with Miles Davis. His spiritual searching and musical innovations transformed jazz and influenced music globally. Coltrane's Philadelphia years are commemorated by the John Coltrane House National Historic Landmark in Strawberry Mansion.<ref name="jazz"/>

=== Later Developments ===

Organist Jimmy Smith, vocalist Billie Holiday (who spent significant time in Philadelphia), and numerous other artists maintained Philadelphia's jazz significance through the 1960s and 1970s. The rise of rock and the decline of jazz clubs nationally affected Philadelphia's scene, though dedicated venues and musicians kept the tradition alive.<ref name="jazz"/>

Contemporary Philadelphia jazz includes artists like bassist Christian McBride, saxophonist Odean Pope, and others who maintain international careers while connecting to Philadelphia. The Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts, University of the Arts jazz program, and clubs continue developing new generations of musicians.<ref name="jazz"/>