Sonny Rollins

Sonny Rollins on vinyl: the Saxophone Colossus

In short: Sonny Rollins (1930–2026) was one of the great tenor saxophonists of jazz – known for his melodies, his humour and long, inventive solos. In the fifties he recorded milestones such as “Saxophone Colossus”, “Way Out West” and “Freedom Suite”. With us you’ll find him on Prestige, Riverside, Contemporary and Milestone. The Vinyl Room currently has 17 Sonny Rollins records.

What makes Sonny Rollins special?

Rollins could turn a simple theme into a whole adventure. At Prestige in the mid-fifties came “Worktime”, “Tour De Force” and “Saxophone Colossus” with “St. Thomas”, plus recordings with Clifford Brown and Max Roach, with Thelonious Monk and with Miles Davis. In 1957 he went to California and recorded “Way Out West” for Contemporary – with just bass and drums, on the cover in a cowboy outfit.

In 1959 he withdrew and practised for months on the Williamsburg Bridge in New York. Then came “The Bridge”, and in the seventies he recorded albums such as “Next Album” and “Easy Living” for Milestone.

From our stock

First pressings

Hard bop & bebop

→ Prestige · Contemporary · Original Jazz Classics · How to spot a first pressing

FAQ

What is Sonny Rollins’ best-known album? “Saxophone Colossus” (1956) with “St. Thomas”, plus “Way Out West” (1957).

Why is one Sonny Rollins album called “The Bridge”? During his break in 1959–61, Rollins practised on the Williamsburg Bridge in New York.

Are your Rollins records originals? Some are first pressings, some later editions such as those in the Original Jazz Classics series. Where we can identify a first pressing for sure, it is marked with the copy.

Is Sonny Rollins still alive? No. Sonny Rollins died on 25 May 2026, aged 95, in Woodstock, New York.

How many Sonny Rollins records do you have? Currently 17 records.