Located in the small town of Archdale, North Carolina, stands a momentous sculpture commemorating the life of the influential and esteemed jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. The John Coltrane Statue, which is one of the first public sculptures honoring a jazz musician in the United States and the only one of its kind in North Carolina, was unveiled in 2010 outside of the Archdale Public Library. John Coltrane’s association with North Carolina goes back to the late 1950s when he came to live and work with other musicians in High Point. While in High Point, Coltrane formed and led a band called the Saxophones at the now-defunct High Point Inn. It was during his time in High Point that Coltrane composed some of his most famous pieces of music, such as 1978's "Giant Steps" and 1963's "A Love Supreme. More can be found here.

Though he was not born in North Carolina, Coltrane’s legacy is deeply embedded in the state. The John Coltrane Statue celebrates this legacy and serves as a constant reminder of the great musician’s hard work, dedication, and immense talent. The John Coltrane Statue Standing 6.5 feet tall, the John Coltrane Statue was created by sculptor James Barnhill and is made from bronze, granite, and glass. Though the statue itself is impressive and intricate in detail, it is the figure's abstract yet realistic design that provides insight into Coltrane’s spirit. The statue stands atop a granite pedestal with the number ‘61’ etched onto its corner, which represents Coltrane’s age when he died. The number nine is also inscribed onto the pedestal, which symbolizes Coltrane's nine saxophones. Atop the pedestal is a bronze figure of Coltrane with his instrument, a saxophone, held high as if he is playing. The figure's eyebrows and facial expression imply an intense focus and passion, hinting at the powerful emotion and energy that he would have expressed whilst performing. Click here to read about Kersey Valley Attractions: An Adorable Place to Visit in Archdale, NC.

 A glass panel on the pedestal illustrates a scene from one of Coltrane’s albums, Blue World. The panel, which is labeled ‘Blue World,’ was designed to pay homage to Coltrane’s music and genius. The panel is designed with a great amount of thought and care, such that it allows observers to appreciate the beautiful album art from a hundred feet away. The John Coltrane Statue is a meaningful tribute to the accomplishments and legacy of the jazz saxophonist and serves as a forever reminder in North Carolina of the impact he had on the music and culture of jazz.

The John Coltrane Statue was unveiled on the morning of February 5th, 2010, in a special ceremony attended by musicians, jazz scholars, and many of Coltrane’s family members. During the unveiling ceremony, Dr. Arlo Aldridge, a North Carolina jazz historian, presented the statue and explained its significance. The unveiling of the John Coltrane Statue was monumental for North Carolina and the jazz scene as a whole. It was the first public sculpture in the state honoring a jazz musician, and it served as a symbol of the rich jazz traditions of North Carolina, as well as the legacy of John Coltrane himself.