Rollins tone echos through his saxophone in each piece he performs. The way he sings each song to the audience through the vibration of the tenor is an inspiration for many. His songs reflect a multitude of emotion, making each piece related to everyone. Sonny received his first performance Grammy for This Is What I Do, and his second for Without a Song, in 2004. To make 2004 even better, that year he was also awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
As someone who enjoys thinking outside the box, Rollins is credited for his unique, risk-taking music style. Consequently, he was one of the first people to improvise without following the tempo, successfully. This was a huge milestone in jazz music. Rollins is also credited for swinging within a solo while his band members kept a strict tempo. Overall, Rollins' playing is groundbreaking, and introduced many of jazz's key characteristics into present day music.
1.) https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/sonny-rollins-jazz-saxophonist-interview/
In the article titled, “I Was Always Trying To Get Better”: Sonny Rollins On A Life In Jazz, Rollins is asked about the journey that brought him into jazz. Through various quotes from Rollins himself, the reader is able to get a feel for the strong will and passion Rollins has for the tenor saxophone. Furthermore, the reader is able to gaze into what Rollins' life used to be like, and hear him laugh at the mistakes and successes that has made him who he is today.
2.) https://sonnyrollins.com/
The website above supports Rollins' music while giving inside information and sharing interviews about his unique character. In his bio section, the reader gains background knowledge about the life of the player and his journey through fame. Consequently, there is access to his music as well as a Q&A which gives voice to Rollins.
3.) http://www.bluenote.com/artist/sonny-rollins/
In the website above, Sonny Rollins is portrayed in his true form: "the greatest contemporary jazz saxophonist of them all." The biography of Rollins discusses the life that led him up to becoming the well known player he is today. This life includes his time working with other instrumentalists, as well as on his own. Furthermore, various recordings are discussed as well as available for listening.