Sonny Rollins, often hailed as one of the true giants of jazz, is a tenor saxophonist whose career has traversed over seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Born on September 7, 1930, in New York City, Rollins began his journey in jazz in his teens, honing his craft alongside other future greats. He quickly established himself as a formidable force with his vigorous solos and a distinctively robust sound. His early work in the 1950s included collaborations with legends such as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and the Modern Jazz Quartet.

Rollins' career is punctuated by a series of groundbreaking albums, including "Saxophone Colossus" and "Way Out West," the latter being notable for its pioneering trio format that eschewed the traditional piano and focused on the interplay between saxophone, bass, and drums. Known in jazz circles as "Newk," a nickname referring to his resemblance to baseball pitcher Don Newcombe, Rollins experimented with various styles and formats. His commitment to his art was such that he took two extended sabbaticals from recording and performing in 1959 and again in 1966, to further explore his musical path and practice tirelessly, famously practicing on New York's Williamsburg Bridge.

Throughout his career, Rollins has been recognized for his improvisational brilliance and has received many accolates, including Grammy Awards and the National Medal of Arts. Not content to rest on his laurels, Rollins continued to produce and perform music into the 21st century, with live recordings like "Without A Song: The 9/11 Concert" capturing his resilience and enduring relevance in the ever-evolving jazz scene. His influence can be measured not only in his extensive discography and the respect he commands among fellow musicians, but also in the legions of saxophonists and jazz aficionados inspired by his relentless innovation and the expressive power of his horn.

Genres

Bebop

Contemporary Post-bop

Jazz

Jazz Saxophone

Related Artists

John Coltrane

Stan Getz

Dexter Gordon

Miles Davis

Charlie Parker

Thelonious Monk

Wayne Shorter

Hank Mobley

Clifford Brown

Joe Henderson

Ornette Coleman

Chet Baker

Latest Release

On Prestige

Sonny Rollins

Album - 25 Tracks - Released September 6, 2024