Sonny Rollins
Sonny Rollins, originally named Theodore Walter Rollins, was born on September 7, 1930, in New York City. Growing up in Harlem, he was surrounded by the vibrant jazz scene, with influences like Coleman Hawkins, Thelonious Monk, and Charlie Parker shaping his early musical development. Rollins began his career on the alto saxophone, inspired by Louis Jordan, before switching to the tenor saxophone at sixteen to emulate his idol, Hawkins.
By the late 1940s, Rollins was recording with notable musicians such as Bud Powell and Miles Davis. His compositions from the early 1950s, including "Oleo," "Doxy," and "Airegin," became jazz standards. Despite a temporary withdrawal from music in 1954 to address a heroin addiction, Rollins made a triumphant return in 1955 with the Clifford Brown-Max Roach Quintet. This period marked the beginning of his most fertile years, characterized by innovative improvisation and thematic development.
Rollins was known for his unaccompanied saxophone improvisations and his ability to manipulate tone color, influencing avant-garde saxophonists of the 1960s and '70s. His work with the trio format, as in the album "Way Out West" (1957), showcased his inventive approach to improvisation and thematic exploration.
Throughout his career, Rollins received numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts in 2010, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2011. His influence and contributions to jazz have made him a legendary figure in the genre, celebrated for his creativity, technical mastery, and enduring legacy.
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