Sonny Rollins, Jazz’s ‘Saxophone Colossus,’ Dies at 95
Sonny Rollins, the renowned tenor saxophonist known as the 'Saxophone Colossus,' has passed away at the age of 95. His family announced his death on social media, but no cause was provided. Rollins was celebrated for his innovative contributions to jazz and his collaborations with other legends, including John Coltrane.
- ▪Sonny Rollins was a prominent figure in jazz, recognized for his improvisational skills and compositions.
- ▪He was known for classic pieces such as 'Airegin,' 'Doxy,' and 'St. Thomas.'
- ▪Rollins received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Medal of Arts.
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, colossus of the saxophone, has died at 95 — NPR — Music
- ▪ Sonny Rollins, Giant of the Jazz Saxophone, Is Dead at 95 — NYT > Top Stories
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| Canonical URL | https://variety.com/2026/music/news/sonny-rollins-dead-jazz-saxophone-colossus-1236758510/ |
| Publication time | Tue, 26 May 2026 01:35:11 +0000 |
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Home Music News May 25, 2026 6:35pm PT Sonny Rollins, Jazz’s ‘Saxophone Colossus,’ Dies at 95 By Chris Morris Plus Icon Chris Morris Music Reporter @CeeMo100 Latest Nedra Talley Ross, Last Surviving Member of the Ronettes, Dies at 80 4 weeks ago Bob Weir, Grateful Dead Singer, Guitarist and Co-Founder, Dies at 78 5 months ago Rob Reiner, Legendary Comedic Actor and ‘Princess Bride’ Director, Found Dead in His Home 5 months ago See All (Photo by Jordi Vidal/Redferns) Tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus” who was schooled by bebop’s legends as a prized sideman and became their peer as a formidable leader, improviser and composer, has died, according to a social media post from his family. No cause of death was cited; he was 95.
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