SONNY ROLLINS (Reigns Supreme) Jazz History #55

If there is any doubt about the supremacy of Sonny Rollins, the clip near the start of this video should put that to rest. In other clips, Sonny expresses the philosophy that drove him to become one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, and ends with some stark words of advice for those who strive to follow in his footsteps. Jimmy Heath tells the story of how Sonny got his nickname, and in the midst you’ll find a bit of an Easter Egg masquerading as a ’word from our sponsor’. (Prepare to groan.) This is the second of two episodes about Sonny Rollins. The previous one is linked below. Sonny Rollins Part One: ABOUT THIS SERIES The Jazz History series is a video adaptation of a PowerPoint presentation used to teach a university course in jazz history. It traces the roots of jazz from Ragtime at the turn of the 20th century to jazz-rock fusion at the end of the 1960s. You’ll find a lot more videos like this one in the JAZZ HISTORY playlist on this channel. If you want to learn more about the nuts and bolts of playing jazz, check out the videos in the JAZZ TACTICS playlist. Here are a few suggestions: JAZZ TACTICS SUGGESTIONS Do You Speak Jazz? What Makes Jazz Jazz? Why I Can’t Teach You Jazz What’s So Great About Chet Baker? Trading Fours With Freddie Hubbard Improvising on Rhythm Changes ABOUT THIS CHANNEL On this channel, jazz trumpeter, educator and author Chase Sanborn offers information and advice for musicians and music appreciators. PLAYLISTS This link will take you to all the playlists on this channel: LEAVE A TIP You can leave a tip to support the work that goes into this channel by clicking the THANKS button. Thanks to YOU for watching! MORE INFORMATION For more in-depth and personal information and instruction, check out Chase’s books and online lesson options on his website: