#84 Sonny Simmons, A Jazz Legend Among Legends Passes On

Anyone that met or heard Sonny Simmons has a story to tell. Some stories seem not believable, but with Sonny anything could happen and often did. I was lucky enough to have a few stories to tell and experience life with a jazz musician who played beside John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy and many other greats.

Even though it was decades ago, you don't forget a genius like Sonny Simmons. From touring the world with jazz greats, leading his own ensembles, being produced by Quincy Jones and spending time living on the streets, Sonny never stopped playing. He played on the streets when he didn't have gigs. The Concrete Jungle was just one of the terms he coined, along with giving everyone he knew a nickname. I was "Cookout.” He never forgot those he played with and we never forgot him.

In order to record Max Roach (a legendary jazz drummer who played with Charlie Parker) I was interviewed by Max. Somehow the subject of Sonny came up and even Max Roach started telling stories. When Max talks about someone, you know to pay attention. We had a few great laughs about the gigs we did with Sonny and ultimately, at the end, we called Sonny "a genius." I was hired on the spot and Max kept returning till he passed away.

But time passes. You wonder what happens to these greats who often died young. Sonny's life could be reckless at times and he was often homeless. He would disappear then pop up in Paris or New York or San Francisco. What happened to Sonny?

Until music journalist Matty Karas wrote his column last week. Among the passing of many was Sonny Simmons' name. He was 87. Wow, so unlikely he would live that long with the way he lived his life. He was a mythical being, a beast of a man to the end. His DNA should be studied by scientists. How did a music journalist like Matty even know who Sonny was?

I clicked on the link and found a twitter post. That was all there was. A twitter post with many people commenting. At the time, not even an obituary and maybe there's still not one.

So, I started a Facebook thread for those of us whose lives were touched by Sonny. The outpouring was huge with memories from many friends I never thought even knew Sonny Simmons.

If you're interested to read the growing tribute to Sonny and get a taste of what playing with a jazz legend is like, here's the Facebook link:

https://www.facebook.com/cookiemarenco/posts/10224684799402453

Rest in Peace, Sonny Simmons, though I think you'll never rest. You'll always be playing the SHIT out of your horn. Angels beware, Sonny is there.

*Updated May 10, 2021*

Thank you, Gregory James for this article. More information on Sonny Simmons.

https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/music/sonny-simmons-alto-sax-player-who...