About this episode
The episode reflects on the life and legacy of Sonny Rollins, emphasizing the importance of taking risks in music and life.
Sonny Rollins passed away on May 25 at the of 95. The legendary saxophonist of the bebop era and beyond was famously unhappy with his performances. But the occasional bad night was worth the trade-off to Rollins. His refusal to play the same passages the same way from night to night, those risks he took regularly might go badly at times, but they were also responsible for his greatest moments. The example he set applies well beyond his playing, well beyond music in fact, to most of life. Staying safe, on the beaten path, is easier; but great achievements, life's most gratifying moments, only come to those willing to risk departure from safe, to take the road less traveled.
People in this episode
Host: Kevin Bales
Topics covered
- risk-taking
- music
- bebop
- performance
- life lessons
Keywords
- Sonny Rollins
- bebop
- saxophonist
- performance
- risk-taking
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: EP81: Taking Risks
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