Coleman, Ornette (1930-...), is an influential and controversial jazz musician and composer. Coleman was a leader of the "free" jazz style that became prominent in the late 1950's. Free jazz omits harmony and chordal structure. Many solos in the style are fiercely energetic, and some dissolve into instrumental screams and squawks. Coleman's supporters consider him one of the great innovators in jazz. His detractors claim he has little talent, especially as a musician.