Who Is Sonny Rollins? Age, Biography and Wiki
Sonny Rollins, born on September 7, 1930, is an eminent figure in the jazz industry, celebrated for his improvisational skill and creativity. He is regarded as one of the greatest tenor saxophonists in the history of jazz. With a career spanning over six decades, Rollins has released numerous acclaimed albums and performed with some of the most notable names in music. As of 2025, he is 94 years old, yet he remains an active artist, inspiring new generations of musicians.
| Occupation | Saxophonist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 7, 1930 |
| Age | 94 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Sonny Rollins's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific height and weight measurements aren't widely documented in public sources, it is estimated that Sonny Rollins stands around 6 feet (183 cm) tall. Maintaining an active lifestyle has kept him agile through the years, which is evident in his performances. His dedication to music and physical fitness has allowed him to preserve his remarkable stage presence well into his nineties.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Sonny Rollins has often kept his personal life private, focusing more on his music career rather than romantic relationships. As of 2025, he is believed to be single. In the past, he was rumored to have dated several prominent figures in the jazz community. However, Rollins has largely remained an enigmatic figure regarding his dating life.
His widely acclaimed album Saxophone Colossus was recorded on June 22, 1956, at Rudy Van Gelder's studio in New Jersey, with Tommy Flanagan on piano, former Jazz Messengers bassist Doug Watkins, and his favorite drummer, Roach. This was Rollins's sixth recording as a leader and it included his best-known composition "St.
Thomas", a Caribbean calypso based on "Hold Him Joe" a tune sung to him by his mother in his childhood, as well as the fast bebop number "Strode Rode", and "Moritat" (the Kurt Weill composition also known as "Mack the Knife").
A long blues solo on Saxophone Colossus, "Blue 7", was analyzed in depth by the composer and critic Gunther Schuller in a 1958 article.
Net Worth and Salary
As a respected jazz musician, Sonny Rollins has accumulated significant wealth over his lengthy career. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is approximately $10 million, largely attributed to album sales, performances, and collaborations. His well-respected status in the music industry ensures continued demand for his artistry, which enhances his annual earnings.
Career, Business and Investments
Sonny Rollins's career is characterized by numerous milestones, including iconic albums like "The Bridge," "Way Out West," and "Saxophone Colossus." In addition to his music, he has ventured into various projects, including teaching and mentoring young musicians. His investments focus primarily on music-related businesses and collaborations, as he continues to influence upcoming artists and support the jazz community.
In 2025, Rollins remains active, participating in jazz festivals and events worldwide. His unique style and technique continue to garner admiration and inspire new talent.
In a seven-decade career, Rollins recorded over sixty albums as a leader. A number of his compositions, including "St. Thomas", "Oleo", "Doxy", and "Airegin", have become jazz standards. Rollins has been called "the greatest living improviser". Due to health problems, Rollins has not performed publicly since 2012 and announced his retirement in 2014.
Social Network
Sonny Rollins maintains a minimal social media presence, which aligns with his reserved nature. However, fans can stay updated on his latest projects, performances, and contributions through official channels and music-related platforms. His legacy is celebrated across social media, where fans regularly share stories and tributes to his influence on the genre.
While in Los Angeles in 1957, Rollins met alto saxophonist Ornette Coleman and the two of them practiced together. Coleman, a pioneer of free jazz, stopped using a pianist in his own band two years later.
By this time, Rollins had become well-known for improvising based on relatively banal or unconventional songs (such as "There's No Business Like Show Business" on Work Time, "Toot, Toot, Tootsie" on The Sound of Sonny, and later "Sweet Leilani" on the Grammy-winning album This Is What I Do).
Education
Sonny Rollins honed his craft at various educational institutions, including the prestigious Julliard School of Music, and drew inspiration from legends such as Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis. His commitment to learning and growth as a musician has played a crucial role in shaping his distinctive sound and artistic vision.
The youngest of three siblings, he grew up in central Harlem and on Sugar Hill, receiving his first alto saxophone at the age of seven or eight. He attended Edward W. Stitt Junior High School and graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in East Harlem.
Rollins started as a pianist, then switched to alto saxophone after being inspired by Louis Jordan and finally switched to tenor saxophone in 1946, influenced by his idol Coleman Hawkins. During his high school years, he played in a band with other future jazz legends Jackie McLean, Kenny Drew, and Art Taylor.
