05/26/2026
Jazz at Lincoln Center mourns the loss of legendary jazz saxophonist, Sonny Rollins.
Former Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra saxophonist and clarinetist Victor Goines reflects on his life and and legacy:
"On May 25, 2026, the world of music lost a true genius and saxophone colossus, Walter Theodore "Sonny" Rollins. His career spanned seven decades, leaving a legacy that will forever resonate in the world of jazz and beyond.
Sonny was a member of the royal court of jazz and the epitome of genius. His recording and performing career included collaborations with legends such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Clifford Brown, and Max Roach, to name just a few. His impact can be heard in the playing of every musician dedicated to jazz, especially those on the tenor saxophone.
I first heard Sonny at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 1984. Although I had listened to many of his recordings by that time, experiencing him live was priceless and unforgettable. He had a presence that commanded respect from the moment I met him, and he extended the same respect to everyone he encountered. His sound was both powerful and soothing, showcasing his complete control of the instrument. He defined virtuosity in every moment and remains a significant influence on me as a tenor saxophonist.
With his passing, we are reminded that the innovators of jazz from his generation left an indelible mark on this great American art form, created by African Americans in the twentieth century. The list of his surviving colleagues is extremely short. While his passing is sad, it empowers us to recognize, remember, and continue the pursuit of excellence and equality not only in music but in democracy, a cause championed by him and other great artists of his generation. I encourage you to check out his recording, **The Freedom Suite**.
In keeping with the New Orleans tradition, we will mourn his passing while celebrating his journey to a better place, where he will continue to be a giant among giants. He will always be remembered as Newk, Sonny, and a Saxophone Colossus."
Photo by Frank Stewart for Jazz at Lincoln Center
