Remembering jazz giant Sonny Rollins
Episode 47 min 35s

Remembering jazz giant Sonny Rollins

From Fresh Air Fresh Air
The great jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins died Monday at the age of 95. He was known for his improvisation and technique, his full bodied sound that could erupt into grunts and brays, and his love of songs. Rollins said of improvising: “When I'm actually on the stage and performing, the optimum condition is not to think. I just want the music to play itself. I didn't want to have to think about it.” We listen back to Terry Gross’s 1994 interview with Rollins. Also, jazz historian Kevin Whitehead pays tribute.

Finally, critic Justin Chang tells us about the highlights from the Cannes Film Festival.


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