May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Prince (1958–2016)
(Photo: Courtesy Warner. Bros.)Prince, a singer-songwriter who mixed r&b, funk, rock and jazz elements into a style all his own, has died at the age of 57. His publicist confirmed the news to the Associated Press, which sent out an announcement via Twitter. He passed away on April 21 at his Paisley Park home and studio in suburban Minneapolis.
Born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, he spent his entire career based in the Minneapolis area.
His debut album was the 1978 Warner Bros. release For You.
Prince reached the peak of his popularity with the 1984 film Purple Rain and the soundtrack of the same name. The album won a Grammy in the category Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. The soundtrack score also earned Prince an Oscar.
A very prolific artist, Prince released albums frequently over the past 20 years, including 39 studio discs.
Famous for being a studio wizard who could play multiple instruments, Prince explored the artistic freedom that came along with being able to record whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, in his extensive Paisley Park studio.
During past two years, his albums included Art Official Age, HitnRun Phase One and HitnRun Phase Two.
Neil Portnow, the president and CEO of The Recording Academy, issued the following statement: “Our GRAMMY family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of seven-time GRAMMY Award winner Prince. Today, we remember and celebrate him as one of the most uniquely gifted artists of all time. Never one to conform, he redefined and forever changed our musical landscape. Prince was an original who influenced so many, and his legacy will live on forever. We have lost a true innovator and our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, collaborators and all who have been impacted by his incredible work.”
Prince was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. To visit his biography page at the museum’s website, click here.
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
