AceShowbiz - The jazz world mourns the loss of Sonny Rollins, who passed away on May 25 at his home in Woodstock, New York, at the age of 95. The news was confirmed by his publicist Terri Hinte to the Associated Press. Although the cause of death was not disclosed, Rollins had been coping with health issues in recent years.

Born Walter Theodore Rollins in Harlem in 1930 to parents originally from the Virgin Islands, Rollins emerged as a transformative figure in jazz alongside legends like Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and Bud Powell. His early exposure to these pioneering musicians helped shape a style that remained fresh and vibrant throughout his lifetime.

Rollins was known for his unique dedication to his craft, famously stepping away from the spotlight to practice alone atop the Williamsburg Bridge at night. This relentless pursuit of excellence is reflected in the soulful grooves and inventive improvisations that became hallmarks of his extensive catalog.

His influence extended far beyond jazz. Hip-hop producers have long mined his recordings for inspiration, repeatedly sampling his work across decades. Notable producers such as J Dilla reworked Rollins’s rendition of "Lover Man" for the track "Jack Handy," while Del the Funky Homosapien built the Hieroglyphics song "Corner Story" around a loop from Rollins’s "The Way I Feel About You." These examples underscore the deep respect and understanding producers had for his music when incorporating it into new creations.

Rollins’s contributions to music were formally recognized by President Obama, who honored him twice at the White House—first with the National Medal of Arts and later with a Kennedy Center Honor. Jazz critics consistently regarded him as one of the greatest improvisers in the genre’s history, a sentiment echoed in his enduring status among bebop titans like John Coltrane and Charlie Parker.

His legacy also includes memorable moments crossing into other musical genres. Rolling Stone magazine highlights his saxophone solo on the Rolling Stones’ 1981 track "Waiting on a Friend" from the album Tattoo You, demonstrating his ability to command any musical setting with unmatched skill and presence.

According to TMZ, Rollins leaves behind a prolific discography exceeding 60 albums. His career stands as a testament to fearless artistry and an unyielding commitment to musical evolution, influencing not just jazz but the foundation of hip-hop and beyond.

This article is based on reporting originally published by AllHipHop.