John Coltrane History Tour

HIGH POINT, THIS ONE IS FOR THE HOMETOWN!

Yalik’s African American Heritage Trail is excited to partner with the High Point Museum to present the John Coltrane Hometown History Tour, coinciding with the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival!

Before John Coltrane became an international jazz icon, High Point was home. This special history bus tour will connect visitors to the people, places, neighborhoods, schools, churches, and experiences that helped shape the young Coltrane. And the journey begins at the High Point Museum, where visitors can explore a permanent Coltrane exhibit featuring remarkable pieces connected to his early life, including his family’s upright player piano from their Underhill Street home, a fifth-grade report focused on Black history, handwritten sheet music and early composition notes, his 1961 Down Beat achievement award, and photographs and memorabilia reflecting his High Point years.

Then climb aboard the African American Heritage Trail and experience Coltrane’s hometown story beyond the museum walls.

Saturday, September 5
10:00 AM & 1:00 PM Tours
Pickup & Drop-off: High Point Museum
1859 E. Lexington Ave., High Point

Participants may park in the museum’s lower parking lot while enjoying the tour.

Come for the festival. Explore the museum. Ride through the history.

Before the world knew John Coltrane, High Point knew him first.

Key Landmarks:

Boyhood Home (118 Underhill St) The house built by Coltrane's grandfather, Rev. W.W. Blair, where John lived from 1928 to 1943.
John Coltrane Mural: A massive tribute by artist Brian Lewis located at 1301 N. Main Street.
William Penn High School: Now Penn-Griffin School for the Arts, where Coltrane began his musical journey and was voted "most musical."