In his interview on Broken Record Podcast, jazz icon Sonny Rollins shares a rare and reflective perspective on his career, spirituality, and the loss of his fellow jazz giants, following the recent deaths of Quincy Jones, Benny Golson, Roy Haynes, and Lou Donaldson. As the last surviving musician from the historic 1958 “A Great Day in Harlem” photograph, Rollins delves into his extraordinary journey through jazz, civil rights, and personal growth.
Rollins, often hailed as one of the greatest living saxophonists, has recently seen a resurgence in interest. The release of The Notebooks of Sonny Rollins, which compiles his personal writings from 1958-1961, and Rollins in Holland, a previously unreleased recording from his 1959 European tour, offer fans a deeper dive into his creative process. Adding to the excitement, a new biography, Saxophone Colossus by Aiden Levy, provides a comprehensive look at Rollins’ life and influence on jazz.
Reflecting on these releases, Rollins acknowledges that he doesn’t often revisit his own work. “I don’t listen to my records,” he admits. “It’s just something I don’t do.” However, he recognizes the importance of these newly available pieces as a window into the rich history of jazz and his own evolution as an artist.
Rollins also reflects on his formative experiences with activism, rooted in his childhood exposure to his grandmother’s involvement with Marcus Garvey’s movement. “I was introduced to civil rights through her,” he shares. He connects his personal and artistic growth to the political climate of the times, particularly highlighting his iconic 1958 piece Freedom Suite, which speaks to the racial struggles of the era.
Known for his unique blend of jazz mastery and spiritual exploration, Rollins recounts his trip to India in the 1960s for spiritual guidance, where he encountered Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi. The experience deeply influenced his music and daily practices. “It’s not about religion; it’s about connection,” he says. Rollins remains a daily practitioner of spiritual exercises, emphasizing that his path is one of personal and inner development rather than traditional religious dogma.
Musically, Rollins has always maintained a deep reverence for both jazz and popular music, with a particular love for Jerome Kern’s compositions and Hollywood show tunes. Despite this, he never lost sight of the racial challenges facing the entertainment industry. “There’s good music, and there’s bad music,” Rollins reflects, echoing Duke Ellington’s famous dictum on music.
As the last living member from that iconic photograph, Rollins remains remarkably humble about his enduring legacy. “I’m not my biggest fan,” he confesses. While acknowledging his influence on jazz, he is deeply conscious of the losses suffered in 2024, noting that the jazz community has lost some of its most legendary figures.
A year ago, Rollins suffered a serious accident, which affected his memory and left him contemplating his place in history. Despite this, his passion for music and his spiritual journey continue to inspire and shape his work.
The conversation also touches on Rollins’ relationships with other jazz greats. Reflecting on his bond with Charles Mingus, Rollins shares that their initially tense interactions eventually blossomed into a close friendship. He also reminisces about his experiences with longtime Mingus drummer Danny Richmond and praises the talents of Stevie Wonder, even mentioning the possibility of Wonder collaborating with Miles Davis. Rollins further discusses his time playing with the Rolling Stones on their Tattoo You album, a decision he initially hesitated to make but ultimately saw as a valuable experience.
The loss of Quincy Jones, Lou Donaldson, and others deeply affects Rollins, yet he continues to forge ahead with his own work and legacy. His reflections on jazz, spirituality, and the changing landscape of music make this interview a must-listen for fans of his remarkable career.
As jazz enters a new era with the passing of its legends, Sonny Rollins’ voice remains a pivotal force in music and culture, one that continues to resonate with listeners across generations.
