The Last of the Jazz Titans
Sonny Rollins, the last surviving participant of the iconic 1958 Harlem jazz photo shoot, passed away at the age of 95. Renowned for his powerful sound and improvisational skills, Rollins significantly shaped the jazz genre over his long career. His contributions included classic compositions and collaborations with many of jazz's greatest musicians, solidifying his legacy as one of the genre's titans.
- ▪Sonny Rollins was the last living participant of the legendary 1958 Harlem jazz photo shoot.
- ▪He made his first recordings in 1949 and collaborated with jazz greats like Charlie Parker and John Coltrane.
- ▪Rollins was known for his unique sound and ability to create memorable, hummable compositions.
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CultureThe Last of the Jazz TitansSonny Rollins, who died this week, was the embodiment of the genre itself.By David A. GrahamK. Abe / Shinko Music / GettyMay 27, 2026, 12:33 PM ET ShareSave In August 1958, Esquire invited 58 jazz musicians to meet on a stoop in Harlem for a photo shoot. The resulting picture, now known as Harlem 1958, became legendary for collecting some of the genre’s greatest talents, stretching from the swing era (Count Basie, Gene Krupa) to the peaks of bebop (Charles Mingus, Dizzy Gillespie).
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