#cousinmary

[destopia]

Just got this in the mail to day from the wonderful @kfjc897fm and #CousinMary! The @insectsurfers played their 60th birthday celebration with a bunch of really wonderful people and bands. It is an absolute honor to be a part of this. Thank you so much, I can’t wait to listen to it!!! https://www.instagram.com/p/CI1W2WKBZ1J/?igshid=1d510fjdxs17p

[projazznet]

‘Cousin Mary’ Lyerly Alexander, 92, John Coltrane’s inspiration and ‘the mother of jazz in Philadelphia’

Mary Lyerly Alexander, 92, of Philadelphia, best known to jazz fans as John Coltrane’s beloved “Cousin Mary,” died Saturday, Aug. 31.

Besides inspiring one of the iconic saxophonist’s most well-known compositions, Ms. Alexander worked for much of her life to help keep Coltrane’s legacy alive in Philadelphia. She founded the John W. Coltrane Cultural Society, introducing children across the city to jazz, and hosting a series of backyard concerts at the Strawberry Mansion house she and Coltrane shared during the 1950s.