High Point Honors Jazz Legend John Coltrane

A statue honoring one of High Point's most acclaimed citizens now has a permanent home in downtown High Point. 

The statue honors Jazz musician John Coltrane. Known internationally for his unique genre and style, Coltrane was raised on Underhill Street in High Point and attended William Penn High School.  Before and after his death in 1967, Coltrane served as a mentor and inspiration to many famous Jazz artists. 

In order to properly recognize such a significant citizen of High Point, the Downtown Improvement Committee, with assistance from the High Point Museum, began working on the John Coltrane Statue project in 2004. 

Thomas Jay Warren, of Oregon, was hired to sculpt the eight foot tall bronze likeness of Coltrane permanently on display in the landscaped area at the northeast corner of City Hall property at the intersection of Commerce Avenue and Hamilton Street.

Funding for the John Coltrane statue came through grants from the Downtown Improvement Committee, the High Point Convention and Visitors Bureau, the High Point Museum, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners and the High Point Community Foundation as well as private contributions.

  Buy a Brick Campaign

One way to be a part of this tribute to John Coltrane is to take part in the Buy a Brick Campaign.  In return for a tax deductible donation of $100, you can honor someone special by inscribing a thoughtful message on a brick, which will be laid in the area surrounding the Coltrane statue.  To purchase a brick, simply mail in your payment and your completed Buy a Brick request form.  If you would like additional information or have any questions, call Barbara Taylor at (336) 885-1859.

'A Coltrane Summer' T-Shirts