Sonny Rollins Wins Swedish Polar Prize

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Sonny Rollins has won the Polar Music Prize Award from the Royal Swedish Academy of Music.

“Rollins has elevated the unaccompanied solo to the highest artistic level,” read the award citation. “Characterized by a distinctive and powerful sound, irresistible swing and an individual musical sense of humor.”

Rollins will receive the award from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at the Stockholm Concert Hall on May 21. Along with the prize is one million Swedish Crowns, equivalent to $140,000.



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