Sonny Rollins, 'sax giant' and sacred monster of jazz, dead
A dominant figure in the post-World War II music scene, he died at his home in Woodstock, New York State. He was 95 years old
Sonny Rollins, one of the greatest saxophonists in jazz history and a dominant figure in the post-World War II music scene, has died at his home in Woodstock, New York State. He was 95 years old.
His death was announced by his publicist, Terri Hinte. Rollins was considered one of the greatest improvisers of modern jazz, capable of combining energy, melodic invention and a powerful, personal, instantly recognisable sound.
Born in Harlem on 7 September 1930 to parents originally from the Virgin Islands, Walter Theodore Rollins grew up in the Sugar Hill neighbourhood, in an environment marked by the presence of great figures of African-American culture. As a boy, he was deeply impressed by the saxophone of Coleman Hawkins, who would remain one of his idols, and soon switched from alto to tenor saxophone.
By the end of the 1940s, he was already active on the New York jazz scene. He recorded for the first time in 1949 with singer Babs Gonzales and in the following years played with musicians such as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell and Charlie Parker. In the 1950s, after overcoming a heroin addiction, he achieved national fame in the quintet of drummer Max Roach and trumpeter Clifford Brown.
1956 was the year of consecration. Rollins recorded 'Tenor Madness', which contains his only recording encounter with John Coltrane, and 'Saxophone Colossus', an album that became a classic. On that record was 'St. Thomas', an adaptation of a traditional West Indian tune and one of his most famous compositions.
