Ornette Coleman was an influential American jazz musician and composer, born on March 9, 1930, in Fort Worth, Texas. He is best known for pioneering the genre of free jazz, which emphasizes improvisation and individual expression over traditional musical structures. Coleman's innovative approach challenged conventional jazz norms and opened new avenues for musical exploration. Throughout his career, Coleman released several acclaimed albums, including The Shape of Jazz to Come and Free Jazz. He played the alto saxophone and was also known for his work on the trumpet and violin. Coleman's contributions to music earned him numerous awards, including a Pulitzer Prize in 2007.