Editing McCoy Tyner (section)

== Solo Career ==

Tyner left the Coltrane Quartet in 1965 as the leader's music became increasingly abstract, requiring approaches that the pianist felt incompatible with his own musical direction. His subsequent solo career, spanning more than five decades, demonstrated continued growth while maintaining the foundation established during the quartet years. Albums including "The Real McCoy" (1967), "Sahara" (1972), and "Enlightenment" (1973) expanded his conception while confirming his status as a major jazz artist independent of his Coltrane association.<ref name="rashid"/>

The 1970s brought renewed recognition, as Tyner's recordings for Milestone Records found both critical acclaim and commercial success unusual for jazz of such uncompromising quality. His use of expanded percussion, African and Asian musical influences, and larger ensemble formats demonstrated musical curiosity that kept his work fresh across decades. Grammy Awards and critical praise confirmed what musicians had long recognized—Tyner's position as one of jazz's most important pianists.<ref name="porter"/>