Legendary Jazz Saxophonist Sonny Rollins Dies at 95

May 26 (THEWILL) — Legendary jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins, widely known as the “Saxophone Colossus”, has died aged 95.

Rollins died peacefully at his home in Woodstock, New York, on Monday, his publicist confirmed. No cause of death was announced, although he had faced health problems in recent years.

Born in Harlem, New York, in 1930, Rollins became one of the most influential saxophonists in jazz history.

Over a career spanning more than seven decades, he released more than 60 albums and performed with stars including Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and John Coltrane.

He was best known for classic albums including “Saxophone Colossus” and “The Bridge”, as well as jazz songs such as “St. Thomas”, “Oleo” and “Doxy”.

Rollins continued performing into his 80s before retiring in 2014 because of pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease.

He won two Grammy Awards and received the National Medal of Arts from former US president Barack Obama in 2011.

A statement released after his death included one of his reflections on life and creativity: “I think 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.”