Thelonious Monk was a major influence on Sonny Rollins. Rollins was drawn to Monk's unique compositional style and his innovative approach to harmony and melody. Monk also taught Rollins the importance of improvisation and the importance of finding his own unique voice.
Rollins first met Monk in 1949, when Rollins was just 19 years old. Rollins was immediately impressed by Monk's music, and he began to study Monk's compositions and improvisations. Rollins' composition "Airegin" is a direct homage to Monk. The song is based on Monk's composition "Rhythm-A-Ning," and it features many of the same melodic and harmonic elements.
Rollins' improvisation on Monk's composition "Round Midnight" is considered to be one of the greatest improvisations in jazz history. Rollins' improvisation is full of complex melodic lines and unexpected harmonic twists.
Rollins' album "Saxophone Colossus" is considered to be one of the greatest jazz albums of all time. The album features Rollins playing a mix of his own compositions and Monk compositions.
Rollins has always been grateful for Monk's influence on his music. In an interview, Rollins said, "Monk was my mentor. He taught me everything I know about music."
Rollins is one of the most important and influential jazz musicians of all time. He is also one of the most important and influential exponents of Monk's music. Rollins' music is a testament to the power of Monk's influence.