Sonny Rollins, the legendary tenor saxophonist and one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, has died at the age of 95. His death was announced Monday on his website and social media accounts, as well as by his publicist Terri Hinte. Rollins passed away at his home in upstate New York.
Known as the Saxophone Colossus, Rollins was a fiercely inventive artist whose career spanned six decades and helped define modern jazz. He was a genius of melodic invention and improvisation, recognized for his bold tone and constant experimentation. As one of the last stars of the bebop generation, he embraced both tradition and innovation.
Throughout his distinguished career, Rollins worked with other jazz greats including Davis, Monk, and Coltrane. Even by the standards of a music that prizes individuality, he stood out as both a musician and a personality.