Sonny Rollins, saxophonist and restless genius of jazz, dead at 95

Sonny Rollins, a tenor saxophonist known for a bold, distinctive tone and constant experimentation, died at age 95 at his home in Woodstock, New York. He had been largely housebound over the past couple of years due to physical problems, with no specific cause of death provided. From his teen years as a phenom through his later, more measured solo work and experimentation with free jazz, he was revered for improvisational skill. He was among the last living greats of the bebop era and one of the most influential saxophonists of his time. His music reached rock audiences through the Rolling Stones’ “Tattoo You,” featuring his sax solo on “Waiting on a Friend.” He repeatedly took hiatuses and adopted new styles, describing himself as “a work in progress.” Pulmonary fibrosis eventually forced retirement; he played his last concert in 2012 and stopped playing in 2014.

"Sonny Rollins, the tenor saxophonist and restless genius whose bold, distinctive tone and constant experimentation kept him on the cutting edge of jazz for more than 50 years, died Monday at age 95."

"From his early days as a teen phenom to his more measured solo work and experimentation with free jazz, Rollins was revered for his improvisational skill. He was one of the last living greats of the bebop era and - along with John Coltrane and Charlie Parker - one of the most influential saxophonists of his time."

"Despite his enduring success, Rollins was never quite satisfied with his art, occasionally taking lengthy hiatuses from playing and consistently adopting eclectic new styles. He always referred to himself as "a work in progress," saying he wasn't one of those artists who settle into one way of playing."

"Pulmonary fibrosis, a thickening and damaging of the lungs, would eventually force him into retirement. He played his last concert in 2012 and stopped playing altogether in 2014."

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