Sonny Rollins, the saxophonist known for improvisation, died at his home in Woodstock, New York at age 95. His official account announced his passing with deep sorrow and profound love, and stated that no public memorial is planned. He was survived by his nephew Clifton Anderson and his nieces Vallyn Anderson and Gabrielle DeGroat. Rollins received major recognition including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the Kennedy Center Honors, and the National Medal of Arts. He described his music as something he played for himself as well as for others, saying he gained something from it and did not view his gifts as servitude. He also expressed spiritual beliefs about continuing beyond this life.
"“It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Sonny Rollins. The Saxophone Colossus died this afternoon at his home in Woodstock, NY at the age of 95,” a post from his official account wrote. “He is survived by his nephew Clifton Anderson and his nieces Vallyn Anderson and Gabrielle DeGroat. No public memorial is planned at this time.”"
"“I think when the creative person ends, he continues in the next existence. I'm a person who believes this life isn't the be-all and end-all of everything. A spiritual person doesn't feel like that.”"
"“I'm thrilled when somebody tells me that listening to my music gives them some solace or peace, but I played music for myself, too. I was getting something out of it. So I don't consider my musical gifts as any kind of servitude. It wasn't giving of myself, because I got too much out of it. I had to play music. I had to. It's something I wanted to do when I was a child. That's like a gift to me. It's not me giving.”"
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