Theodore "Sonny" Rollins

Theodore "Sonny" Rollins- Sonny Rollins grew up in Harlem. Living in Harlem put him very close to center of the bebop movement. He grew up idolizing Coleman Hawkins. He began his musical career playing alto saxophone and flourished on the tenor saxophone. Before he turned twenty his talent put him in the spotlight with Miles Davis and Bud Powell. He got by with a little help from a friend. Charlie Parker taught him the ways early in his life. Soon he emerged into an improvisational god in Chicago. His success led him to a period of 0 public performances. After two years in the shadows he exploded onto the jazz scene. He polished his improvisational solos and recorded multiple albums. Later in Sonny's life he received many prestigious awards. He won the Edward MacDowell Medal for outstanding contribution to his field. He also received an award from President Barack Obama and many more. His playing shaped the next generations of Jazz players.