Spiritual Rhythms: An Intimate Conversation with Sonny Rollins
Beyond the Notes: The Saxophone Colossus Shares Profound Insights on Music, Divine Connection, and a Life of Unceasing Exploration.
by Michael Lamonaca 16 June 2025
Stepping into the presence of Sonny Rollins, at 94 years young, is to encounter living history, a titan whose saxophone has not merely played notes but has woven tapestries of sound, emotion, and philosophical inquiry. Renowned as “The Saxophone Colossus,” his influence is immeasurable, his improvisations legendary, and his discipline almost mythical. Yet, beneath the virtuosity and the iconic stature lies a deep well of contemplation, a lifelong journey through sound that often ventures into the realm of the spiritual.
In this rare conversation, we sit with Mr. Rollins to explore the profound connections he sees between his music and the divine, delving into the quiet moments of creation that shaped his artistry and the philosophical undercurrents that have always guided his path. It is an exploration that promises to resonate with anyone who believes music is more than just entertainment; it is a sacred pursuit.
Interviewer: Mr. Rollins, thank you for inviting us into your world. Your music has always possessed a profound depth, often described as almost spiritual. When you pick up your saxophone, do you feel you are tapping into something beyond yourself, perhaps even something divine?
Sonny Rollins: Well, it’s interesting you put it that way. For me, playing music, especially improvising, has always been a form of prayer, a meditation, a direct line. It’s not about thinking; it’s about listening, truly listening to what wants to come through. There’s a moment when the ego steps aside, and you become a vessel. When that happens, it’s not you playing, it’s something greater. Call it God, call it the universal consciousness, call it the spirit of sound. It’s all the same, isn’t it? It’s the source. The notes just dance out.
Interviewer: That’s a beautiful way to describe it. So, for you, the act of creation, of improvisation, is inherently spiritual?
Sonny Rollins: Absolutely. True improvisation is spontaneous creation. You’re bringing something into existence that wasn’t there a moment before. And where does that come from? It’s not just from your practice, though practice is essential for clearing the channels. It comes from a realm beyond our conscious understanding. It’s a fleeting glimpse of perfection, a whisper from the infinite. When a solo truly soars, and you feel that connection, it’s an undeniable feeling of grace. You’re not trying to be brilliant; you’re just trying to be truthful. And truth, in its purest form, is spiritual.
Interviewer: Your famous practice sessions on the Williamsburg Bridge are legendary. Many see that as a period of intense musical growth, but was there a deeper, spiritual quest involved during those hiatuses?
Sonny Rollins: Oh, undoubtedly. It was a search, a deep yearning for something more pure. The public recognition, the constant touring – it can distract you from the essence. I needed to get away, to reconnect with nature, with myself, with the raw sound. The bridge, it was a sanctuary. The wind, the sky, the river flowing endlessly beneath me – it was all part of a larger symphony. I wasn’t just practicing scales; I was trying to strip away all the extraneous noise, to get back to the fundamental vibration of existence. It was a spiritual cleansing, a way to re-center and listen for the true voice within me, and within the music. It was a time for reflection, for purging the unnecessary, and for seeking a higher form of expression.
Interviewer: Your discipline, both in practice and in life, is renowned. Do you view that rigorous dedication as a form of worship or devotion to your craft?
Sonny Rollins: Yes, it is. It’s a form of respect for the gift. Music isn’t something to be toyed with; it’s a profound language. To master it, or rather, to continually strive for mastery, requires sacrifice, patience, and unwavering commitment. That discipline isn’t about punishment; it’s about purity of intention. It’s about serving the music, not the ego. When you dedicate yourself fully, with pure heart and mind, that dedication becomes a spiritual act. It’s a continuous offering, an acknowledgment that this pursuit is greater than yourself. It’s about showing up, every single day, with humility and a desire to be better, to be a clearer channel.
Interviewer: In times of global uncertainty or personal difficulty, people often turn to music for solace. In your view, can music offer a true form of healing or transcendence?
Sonny Rollins: Absolutely. Music transcends words, transcends logic. It speaks directly to the soul. When you’re hurting, a certain melody can reach into those deep places, acknowledge the pain, and then elevate you beyond it. It offers solace, understanding, and a sense of shared humanity. It reminds you that you’re not alone in your struggles. In its purest form, music is a unifying force. It can bring people together, heal divisions, and transport you to a place of peace, even if just for a few moments. It’s a universal language of hope and connection, and that is a profound healing power.
Interviewer: When you’re performing, and you feel that spiritual connection, do you sense that the audience is also partaking in that experience, that shared transcendence?
Sonny Rollins: When the music is truly flowing, and you’re in that zone, there’s a powerful give and take. The audience isn’t just listening; they’re feeling, they’re breathing with you. They become part of the improvisation, part of the creation. It’s a collective experience, a shared moment of grace. You’re all connected by that vibration, that energy. You can feel their presence, their receptivity. And when that connection is strong, it elevates everyone in the room. It’s a beautiful dance, a collective spiritual journey unfolding in real time. It’s why live performance is so unique; it’s an ephemeral, shared spiritual happening.
Interviewer: Your sound has evolved so much over the decades. How has that musical evolution paralleled your personal growth and philosophical journey?
Sonny Rollins: Well, life is constant evolution, isn’t it? If you’re not changing, you’re not living. My sound is just a reflection of where I am, what I’m learning, what truths I’m uncovering. Early on, it was about proving myself, absorbing influences, finding my voice. Then came the search for purity, stripping away the unnecessary. Later, it was about embracing different textures, different approaches. Every experience, every challenge, every moment of peace, it all finds its way into the horn. The music is a living autobiography. It’s a testament to the journey, and the journey itself is the reward. You never stop learning, you never stop growing, and the music reflects that endless process of discovery.
Interviewer: For young musicians who are not only searching for their voice but perhaps also seeking a deeper purpose in their music, what advice would you offer?
Sonny Rollins: Seek authenticity above all else. Don’t try to be anyone else; find your own truth, your own sound. And that takes courage, and it takes solitude. Practice, yes, practice relentlessly, but practice with intention, not just for technical prowess. Listen, really listen to the masters, but then listen within yourself. Go beyond the notes. Ask yourself what you’re trying to say, what truth you’re trying to express. And understand that music is a gift, a powerful force. Treat it with respect, with reverence. It’s not just a career; it’s a calling, a spiritual path. Be humble, be curious, and let the music guide you. The purpose isn’t something you find; it’s something you become through dedication and surrender.
Interviewer: Looking back, how do you hope your musical legacy is perceived, and what do you envision for the future of jazz, perhaps in its spiritual dimension?
Sonny Rollins: I hope my legacy is seen as an example of honest striving, of always trying to improve, to dig deeper. Not for fame, but for the truth that lives in the music. I hope it inspires musicians to seek that deeper connection, that spiritual essence, rather than just chasing fleeting trends. Jazz is a living, breathing art form. It’s always evolving, always absorbing new influences, always reflecting the times. Its spiritual dimension, that spontaneous creation, that search for truth, is its very heart. I hope that never gets lost. I believe the future of jazz, and of all true art, lies in its capacity to connect us to something higher, to remind us of our shared humanity and our place in the cosmic dance. It’s a powerful tool for good, and I pray it continues to be used for that purpose.
Interviewer: Mr. Rollins, thank you for sharing such profound insights. It has truly been an honor.
Sonny Rollins: The honor is mine. Keep listening, keep searching. The music is always there.
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