Word of South Celebrates 100th Year of Jazz Legends

Festival honors the centennial birthdays of Miles Davis and John Coltrane with special performances.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 10:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, geometric black shapes against a stark white background, conceptually representing the influential musical styles and legacies of jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane.A centennial celebration of the pioneering jazz icons whose music forever changed the landscape of 20th century music.Tallahassee Today

The Word of South festival in Tallahassee, Florida is commemorating the 100th birthdays of two of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century - Miles Davis and John Coltrane. The festival, running from April 24-26 in Cascades Park, will feature a special jazz segment on April 26 dedicated to the legacies of these two giants of the genre.

Why it matters

As pioneering artists who helped define the sound of modern jazz, the centennial birthdays of Davis and Coltrane are a significant milestone for music lovers and the jazz community. The Word of South festival provides a platform to celebrate their immense contributions and influence on generations of musicians.

The details

Miles Davis and John Coltrane were both born in 1926, making 2026 the 100th anniversary of their births. Davis studied briefly at Juilliard before dropping out and making his debut as a trumpeter in Charlie Parker's bebop quintet in 1944. Coltrane later joined Davis' band in the 1950s, before embarking on his own acclaimed solo career. The Word of South festival will honor the legacies of these two jazz legends with a special segment on April 26, featuring performances and tributes.

  • Miles Davis was born on May 26, 1926.
  • John Coltrane was born in 1926.
  • The Word of South festival runs from April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Miles Davis

An American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer, considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

John Coltrane

An American jazz saxophonist and composer, widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time.

Word of South

An annual festival of literature and music held in Tallahassee, Florida's Cascades Park.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The centennial birthdays of Miles Davis and John Coltrane serve as a powerful reminder of their immense impact on jazz and music history. The Word of South festival's tribute to these two giants provides an opportunity for music lovers to celebrate their enduring legacies and the continued influence of their groundbreaking work.