December 1964: Conflict simmered in Vietnam and civil rights struggled at home.  A restless American improviser created a personal testament of spirituality, an open statement of devotion and love.

On December 9, saxophonist John Coltrane and his quartet -- pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Jimmy Garrison and drummer Elvin Jones -- walked into Rudy Van Gelder's Englewood, New Jersey studio to record a four-part jazz suite.  The result was 'A Love Supreme.'

When 'A Love Supreme' hit the airwaves and record bins, it made an immediate impact.  'A Love Supreme' also marked a crossroads for Coltrane's music, one that would lead him into uncharted territory.

Three years later, John Coltrane was gone.