Hugely influential American jazz musician Sonny Rollins, who was known as the "saxophone colossus", has died aged 95.
The tenor saxophonist died at his home in Woodstock, New York, on Monday afternoon according to a statement from his publicist Terri Hinte, who called him "one of the most honored and influential figures in American music of the 20th century and beyond.”
No cause of death was given, but the saxophonist reportedly suffered from pulmonary fibrosis and other respiratory problems in recent years. He retired from touring in 2012.
A 2009 quote of his accompanied the announcement of his death: "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."
Born Theodore Walter Rollins in Harlem on 7 September 1930, Rollins was among the last surviving stars of the bebop era and was celebrated for his saxophone improvisions and experimentation.
