How did Ornette Coleman know that this was indeed the shape of jazz to come? Most jazz for nearly 60 years now has been variations on the theme Coleman wrote, so to speak. I wonder if even he knew how dominant free jazz would be.
I can only say that there are many different directions one could go but most musicians always hang to established thing for one thing is easier to do , be influenced, play for example bebop based on changes similar in every bebop tune . 2nd maybe easier to make a buck but not necessarily ?! Mr Ornette Coleman certainly was not afraid of the new . I read interview with him and he said that he could play like Charlie Parker and kmew Parker style very well but choose not too play that way .