Sonny Rollins, colossus of the saxophone, has died at 95
Sonny Rollins, the legendary saxophonist, passed away at the age of 95 at his home in Woodstock, New York. Known for his powerful tone and improvisational skills, Rollins was a pivotal figure in the evolution of jazz music. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the National Medal of the Arts and a Kennedy Center honor.
- ▪Sonny Rollins died on May 25, 2026, at the age of 95.
- ▪He was a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master and received the National Medal of the Arts.
- ▪Rollins was known for his unique sound and improvisational style, which made him a beloved figure in jazz music.
11 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 18 hours. Coverage spans 3 points on the political spectrum — 7 lean left, 1 centre, 2 right.
- ▪ Jazz Great Sonny Rollins Dead at 95 — PJ Media
- ▪ Jazz Music Icon Sonny Rollins Dead At 95 — Dailycaller
- ▪ Aged 95, Sonny 'Saxophone Colossus' Rollins leaves behind a life dedicated to jazz — France 24 (EN)
- ▪ Sonny Rollins, giant of jazz and the saxophone, has died — Le Monde (EN)
- ▪ Sonny Rollins, legendary saxophone colossus, dead at 95 — South China Morning Post
- ▪ Sonny Rollins, colossus of jazz saxophone, dies aged 95 — World news | The Guardian
- ▪ Sonny Rollins Dies: Jazz Great Was 95 — Deadline
- ▪ Sonny Rollins, Jazz’s Saxophone Colossus and Greatest Improvisor, Dead at 95 — Rolling Stone
- ▪ Sonny Rollins, Giant of the Jazz Saxophone, Is Dead at 95 — NYT > Top Stories
- ▪ Sonny Rollins, Jazz’s ‘Saxophone Colossus,’ Dies at 95 — Variety
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| Canonical URL | https://www.npr.org/2026/05/25/519445169/sonny-rollins-colossus-of-the-saxophone-has-died-at-95 |
| Publication time | Mon, 25 May 2026 21:51:45 -0400 |
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Obituaries Sonny Rollins, colossus of the saxophone, has died at 95 May 25, 20269:51 PM ET By Howard Mandel Enlarge this image Sonny Rollins, seen here performing in the 1950s, has died. Bob Parent/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Bob Parent/Getty Images Sonny Rollins, seen here performing in the 1950s, has died. Bob Parent/Getty Images The way some musicians play, you think they'll never die. Theodore "Sonny" Rollins was such a man: A saxophonist revered for his huge tone and seemingly inexhaustible improvisations. Rollins died Monday afternoon at his Woodstock, N.Y. home at the age of 95. Rollins was a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, a recipient of a Kennedy Center honor and a recipient of the National Medal of the Arts.
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