Posted on 06/03/2026 6:19:14 AM PDT by dennisw
Sonny Rollins, the revered jazz saxophonist known to rock fans for his work with the Rolling Stones, died May 25 at the age of 95.
A statement announcing Rollins’ death described him as “one of the most honored and influential figures in American music of the 20th century and beyond.”
Born in Harlem, New York in 1930, Rollins began playing music as a child. He was already a professional by the time he was a teenager and he really made a name for himself in the ‘50s, rising to become one of jazz’s premiere musicians.
Just as he was becoming a star, Rollins took a two year hiatus from recording and performing – a move which only added to the intrigue regarding his talents. He made a triumphant return in 1961, and continued forging a groundbreaking and influential career from there.
Across more than six decades, Rollins played on more than 100 albums. His work included collaborations with such jazz luminaries as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk. In 1981, he also found time to work with one of rock’s most iconic acts, the Rolling Stones.
How Did Sonny Rollins End Up Working With the Rolling Stones? Mick Jagger had met Rollins through a mutual friend in New York, but the Rolling Stones’ frontman was hesitant to ask him to contribute to the band’s 1981 album Tattoo You. The saxophonist eventually said yes, but only at his wife’s insistence.
"I said: 'Man, the Rolling Stones. I don't want to do any record with the Rolling Stones,'" Rollins told The New York Times in 2020. "I'd considered them — and it's faulty — not on the level of jazz. But my wife said, 'No, no, you must do it.' So I said, 'OK, let me see if I can relate to what they are doing; let me see if I can make it sound as good as possible.'"
Rollins ended up contributing to three of the band’s songs: "Slave,” "Neighbours" and, most notably, “Waiting on a Friend.” The latter tune was an old idea that Jagger had struggled for years to complete, but Rollins’ addition proved magical.
READ MORE: Rolling Stones' 'Tattoo You': A Track-by-Track Guide
"I said, 'Would you like me to stay out there in the studio?'" Jagger recalled asking Rollins when he showed up to record his part.. "He said, 'Yeah, you tell me where you want me to play and dance the part out.'"
Rollins’ emotive playing proved to be one of the most memorable parts of “Waiting on a Friend.” The track became a radio hit, peaking at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Despite the successful collaboration, Rollins declined an invitation to tour with the Stones. He later admitted that he never really connected with the rockers.
“I didn’t relate to them because I thought they were just derivative of black blues,” he remarked, before adding the following anecdote. “I do remember once I was in the supermarket up in Hudson, New York, and they were playing Top 40 records. I heard this song and thought, Who’s that guy? His playing struck a chord in me. Then I said, ‘Wait a minute, that’s me!’ It was my playing on one of those Rolling Stones records.”
Sonny Rollins Was Universally Acclaimed Rollins’ list of accolades is extensive. He was a two-time Grammy winner, and received a lifetime achievement Grammy in 2004. He received honorary doctorates from over 10 universities, including such prestigious institutions as Duke, Wesleyan, Juilliard and Berklee College of Music. He also received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2011.
Rollins gave his final performance in 2012. Though he never officially announced his retirement, progressive respiratory problems brought on by pulmonary fibrosis forced him to stop performing.
95! What a run for a jazz musician! Many of the classic one died early from drugs (heroin) and alcohol. I salute Sonny on toughing it out.
His career started in 1949. Retired in 2012 due to lung problems.
“Neighbors” is kind of a ridiculous song, but I kind of liked it, and often played it on the Pizza Hut jukebox when I was a cook there in the early ‘80s.
The saxophonist I remember best with the Stones was Bobby Keyes playing “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking?.”
That was the weirdest Chicago Manual of Style punctuation I’ve ever typed.
“musician”
A lot of musicians died young - Bizet, Donizetti, Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix come to mind.
Waiting on a Friend is one of my favorite RS songs. So different from their typical output. And yes, the sax part is magnificent.
Sax is one of my favorite instruments to listen to, either in jazz or rock. It can cry, laugh, scream or just make you want to dance. It has it all. Sonny Rollins could do both, but jazz was his main thing, and he was in a class with the very best.
RIP, Sonny.
Condolences to family and friends of Sonny Rollins. R.I.P. sir.
“His work included collaborations with such jazz luminaries as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk.”
That’s a jazz hall of fame right there! The Babe Ruths of jazz! Don’t make them like that anymore..PURE Americana at it’s finest. When America was still America. RIP.
Got to see him in Boulder, CO about 30 years ago...
Lot of energy!
The first time I heard Sonny Rollins was on the Detroit NPR station WDET FM 101.9 with the great Ed Love hosting his “Destination Jazz” program. RIP, man!
Lem Winchester 32, Otis Redding 26, Ricky Nelson 45, Wes Montgomery 45, John Lennon 40, Patsy Cline 30, Dinah Washington 39 ...
Lots of great music somewhere!
Looks like Keith Richards will outlive them all.
Brass and stringed instruments aren’t really compatible with every musical genre but with Rock it always has been.
RIP sir and thanks for the enjoyment. 🙏
Sometimes only a saxophone can make a musical piece complete... same with harmonica.. The Stones used both often..
” “Waiting on a Friend.” The latter tune was an old idea that Jagger had struggled for years to complete, but Rollins’ addition proved magical.”
Sonny sax added an inviting breeziness to an already friendly tune. The video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKLVmBOOqVU is friendly too with happy people coming by. Filmed outside a gritty stoop in NYC (the big Apple don’t mind the maggots)
This guy was a whole lot more than just working with the Stones.
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