Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
In Memoriam: James Blood Ulmer, 1940–2026
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Saxophonist Ornette Coleman has recovered after collapsing Sunday during his performance at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tenn.
Coleman was a half-hour into his set Sunday around 7 p.m. when he suffered a sudden heat stroke and collapsed, according to his publicist. He was taken to the medical tent, where he was given intravenous fluids. Though Coleman was alert and in stable condition, paramedics rushed him to nearby Coffee County Hospital. After performing some precautionary tests, doctors there released Coleman later that evening.
Coleman hadn’t felt any symptoms until the moment he collapsed, his publicist said. All indications were that Coleman’s collapse resulted from dyhydration and heat exhaustion, as he had been performing in a suit and hat in 91-degree weather.
Coleman was en route to New York on Monday. His next scheduled performance is in Kongsberg, Norway on July 6.
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
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