Homage to a Colossus

Raise high the roof beam, carpenters—another giant has passed from our midst. Yesterday, Jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins ascended to the world of the Ancestors at 95-years-young.  Back when he was 26, he recorded one of his best-known albums Saxophone Colossus, a title that suggests he was somehow aware that he was indeed destined to become a “colossus,” an old Greek word referring to “any extraordinarily large, towering statue, or metaphorically, a person or entity of immense size, power, or influence.” That well describes Sonny’s long and varied career. I suggest listening to that album—or any of his albums —to properly honor and pay homage to this American genius. 

 

For my own tribute, I changed slightly the words to Bobby Hebb’s hit song Sunny and they seemed to fit well. Sing it out loud if you will. 

 

“Sonny, yesterday our life was filled with rain, 

Sonny, you played for us the jazz that eased the pain,

Now the dark days are done and the bright days are here
My Sonny one shines so sincere
Sonny one so true we love you. 

[Verse 1]
Sonny, thank you for the sunshine bouquet. 

Sonny, thank you for the love you've brought our way
You gave to us your all and all

And helped us feel ten feet tall,

Sonny one so true we love you. 

[Verse 2]
Sonny, thank you for the truth you let us see
Sonny, thank you for the facts from A to Z
Our life was torn like wind-blown sand
A rock was formed when you joined the band.  

Sonny one so true we love you. 

[Verse 3]
Sonny, thank you for that smile upon your face

Sonny, thank you, thank you, for those notes that flowed with grace.

You're the spark of nature's fire,
You're our sweet, complete desire,
Sonny one so true, yes, we love you.”

 

R.I.P., Sonny Rollins.