Jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins dies at 95

Sonny Rollins, the influential saxophonist revered as one of jazz’s greatest improvisers, has died at the age of 95. His death was announced on his website and confirmed by his publicist. He died at his home in Woodstock, New York.

Born Walter Theodore Rollins in New York City in 1930, he grew up in Harlem and began playing saxophone at age seven. Inspired by artists like Louis Jordan and Fats Waller, he was a professional musician by his teens, playing alongside future stars like Jackie McLean and established figures like Bud Powell. A central figure in the bebop movement, Rollins helped transform jazz through his melodic genius and expansive, exploratory solos. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he released over 60 albums, including landmark works such as "Saxophone Colossus" in 1956 and "Freedom Suite" in 1958.

His approach was defined by a relentless creative drive. Former President Barack Obama, presenting Rollins with the National Medal of Arts in 2011, said the saxophonist had inspired him to take risks. Fellow musician Miles Davis once wrote that Rollins quickly became a legend, an innovative player who always had fresh musical ideas. Rollins himself described...