Legendary jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins died on Monday, May 25, at age 95.
His seven-decade-long career saw him release over 60 albums, collaborate with fellow artists and win several awards for his work. A statement on Rollins’ website announced his death.
“It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Sonny Rollins. The Saxophone Colossus died May 25, 2026, at his home in Woodstock, NY, at the age of 95,” the statement read.
The statement continued with a 2009 quote from Rollins reflecting on his legacy.
“When the creative person ends, he continues in the next existence. I’m a person who believes this life isn’t the be-all and end-all of everything. A spiritual person doesn’t feel like that,” Rollins said.
His wife and manager, Lucille Pearson, preceded him in death in 2004.
Here’s what to know about Sonny Rollins.
When did Sonny Rollins die?
Sonny Rollins died at home in Woodstock, New York, on Monday, May 25, at 95, according to the statement on his website.
Who was Sonny Rollins?
Born Walter Theodore Rollins in Harlem, New York City, known as Sonny Rollins, he was an award-winning jazz saxophonist.
Rollins released his first recording on Babs Gonzales’ “Weird Lullaby” album in 1949 and went on to release over 60 albums across his seven-decade career, per the American Academy of Achievement and Rollins’ website. He recorded with fellow jazz musicians like Tommy Flanagan, Jack DeJohnnette, Stanley Clarke and Tony Williams, his website noted.
His wife Lucille Pearson, who also served as his business manager, preceded him in death in 2004.
After winning two Grammy awards from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from that same institution, a respiratory illness forced him to stop playing. He retired in 2014.
USA TODAY and Reuters contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Who was Sonny Rollins? Jazz star dead at 95
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, USA TODAY NETWORK / Detroit Free Press
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