Sonny Rollins (1930-2026)

Sonny Rollins (1930-2026)

From You'll Hear It by Peter Martin & Adam Maness

May 29, 2026 · 50 min · Season 14 · Episode 22

About this episode

The episode pays tribute to Sonny Rollins, exploring his influential career and significant recordings in jazz history.

Sonny Rollins passed away this week at 95. Jazz pianists Peter and Adam are listening through the recordings that defined his career and made him one of the most influential musicians in jazz history. From his earliest bebop tunes to Saxophone Colossus to A Night at the Village Vanguard, they trace the arc of a player who kept raising the bar on himself even when the rest of the world thought he'd already cleared it. Plus - they talk through the legendary Williamsburg Bridge sabbatical: two years of practicing up to 16 hours a day. ------------------------------ About You'll Hear It:In this popular music series, Adam and Peter break down the greatest albums of all time. Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Joni Mitchell, D'Angelo: Jazz is the foundation of the most GENIUS music in recent history. These seasoned jazz pianists bring their deep musical knowledge to every joyful episode to help you hear the hidden qualities that make music AMAZING. You'll never hear music the same way again. 00:00 Sonny Rollins (1930-2026) 00:37 Celebrating Sonny Rollins: Opening Tribute 04:54 Sonny as the Bridge Between Bebop Generations 05:57 "Autobahn" 09:47 "Pent-Up House" 12:56 "I'll Remember April"…

People in this episode

Hosts: Peter Martin, Adam Maness

Topics covered

  • Sonny Rollins
  • jazz history
  • bebop
  • musical influence
  • recordings analysis
  • sabbatical practice

Keywords

  • Sonny Rollins
  • jazz
  • bebop
  • Saxophone Colossus
  • musical influence
  • recordings
  • Williamsburg Bridge
  • practice
  • Tenor Saxophone

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Saxophone Colossus, A Night at the Village Vanguard, Way Out West, Autobahn, Pent-Up House, I'll Remember April, Oleo, Tenor Madness, More Than You Know, The Way You Look Tonight

More episodes of You'll Hear It

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the You'll Hear It podcast page.