Sonny Rollins named jazz musician of year

NEW YORK, June 12 (UPI) -- Veteran sax man Sonny Rollins was named Musician of the Year this weekend at the annual Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Awards in New York.

The 80-year-old Rollins, who also won the award for best tenor sax, was not present for the event because he was touring Australia and New Zealand to rave reviews.

The JJA said in a written statement despite Rollins' longevity, it was Jimmy Heath who received the Lifetime Achievement award.

Other awards went to Blue Note (Record Label of the Year), the Joe Lovano Us Five (Small Ensemble of the Year) and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire (Up and Coming Artist of the Year).