Chruchgoers honor jazz legend John Coltrane with anniversary performance

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Archbishop Franzo King is getting ready for Monday's celebration. He's the leader of the St. John Coltrane African Orthodox Church.

At his church, they praise God through the music of the late saxophonist John Coltrane's music, who they consider to be a saint.

"We're not saying we had 100 cardinals in the Vatican in red robes to vote him. His life speaks to his sainthood," said Archbishop King.

This month marks the 50th anniversary of Coltrane's jazz masterpiece "A Love Supreme."

In the liner notes, Coltrane, who struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, acknowledged a spiritual awakening, saying the album was a humble offering to God.

"His idea of being clean and doing right and in his own words, being a driving force for doing good, that's what you hear in his music," said one church goer.

Devotees believe the musical message of "A love Supreme" promotes global unity and indeed people from all over the world come their church for Sunday service.

Monday night, the special 50th anniversary mass moves to Grace Cathedral where the sounds of saxophones and drums will reverberate off the walls of the Episcopal sanctuary.

"They see how it's a unique take on the spiritual idea that, it doesn't matter what traditions you have, the spirit takes you, explore it," said Canon Sacrist Greg Sondern.

For more information about the church or their music, click here.