Open Sky

The first in-depth biography about the extraordinary jazz musician, compiled with the artist’s full participation.

“Probing and honest. . . . Open Sky is an ideal point of entry to Rollins’s improvisational world.” —John Murp, JazzTimes

Renowned jazz writer Eric Nisenson has penned a rare look at one of modern jazz’s brightest stars, the incomparable master of improvisation Sonny Rolllins. Considered by many to be the most influential tenor saxophonist that jazz has ever produced, Rollins began his career at the tender age of eleven, and within five short years he was playing with the legendary Thelonius Monk. Before he turned twenty-one Rollins was in full swing, recording with such jazz luminaries as Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, Max Roach, Art Blakely, Miles Davis, and Fats Navarro; and he was hailed as the best jazz tenor saxophonist alive by the late 1950s. Still active today, a remarkable forty years later, Rollins’s onstage appearances are eagerly anticipated events, where his compelling sound reaches a whole new generation of listeners.

“Fascinating. I learned many things about Sonny that even I didn’t know.” —Lucille Rollins

“The kind of commentary that makes you itch to hear Sonny Rollins play.” —Booklist