Theodore Walter Rollins
Sonny Rollins is widely considered one of the greatest tenor saxophonists and improvisers in jazz history. Known for his powerful tone, rhythmic inventiveness, and thematic improvisation, Rollins has been a creative force since the 1950s. His famous sabbatical on the Williamsburg Bridge (1959-1961), where he practiced alone for hours, became legendary in jazz lore.
“I practice every day. The saxophone is my voice.”
— Sonny Rollins
“The further I go, the more I realize I have to learn.”
— Sonny Rollins
“I went up on the Williamsburg Bridge to shed. I didn't want anyone to hear me while I was getting myself together.”
— Sonny Rollins
“Jazz has got to have that thing. You have to be born with it.”
— Sonny Rollins
“I'm always dissatisfied with what I play. That's what keeps me practicing.”
— Sonny Rollins
“The most important thing in music is the feeling behind it.”
— Sonny Rollins
“I don't want to be a saxophone player. I want to be a musician.”
— Sonny Rollins
“When I play, I'm trying to say something honest about the way I feel at that moment.”
— Sonny Rollins
“You have to keep pushing yourself. Nobody else is going to push you.”
— Sonny Rollins
“Music is an open sky.”
— Sonny Rollins
Saxophone Colossus
1956
The Bridge
1962
Way Out West
1957
A Night at the Village Vanguard
1957
Newk's Time
1959