Bengaluru bows to the Sultan of Saxophone – Rex Rozario
It was in the fitness of things that all people who matter in Bengaluru congregated a few days ago to confer the Lifetime Achievement Award to the city’s Sultan of Saxophone — Rex Rozario, the man who is synonymous with the Garden City’s classical music scenario and is known for his creativity genius — in everything he did. And is doing.
The city and its music aficionados got together at the prestigious Koramangala Club, the hub of creative pursuits, where the day was filled with eclectic strains of Jazz music to honour the living legend at Bengaluru Jazz Habba 2025. April 26, the date is now forever etched in the collective memories of music lovers.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognised Rex’s unwavering commitment to conserving the fine art of jazz through nearly 70 years of timeless performances and creative excellence that have shaped the way Bangaloreans relish the good things in life—great music, strong filter coffee, and fresh draught beer.
Richly deserving
With a stunning track record like this to his credit, It is little wonder that Rex Rozario has received recognition for a lifetime of outstanding contributions—a tribute and a recognition he so richly deserves.
And why not, just take a look at what he has done, and is doing. Thousands of gigs for over 60 years, thousands of students he mentored, countless fans of all shapes, sizes, and ages, the highest count of famous musicians as his students and countless accolades from distinguished patrons from all over Bengaluru and expanding into the world.
Born and raised in the city, Rex earned his musical wings and developed his unique mastery of the Saxophone—the acknowledged voice of jazz in the city. A man of few words, Rex’s saxophone has done all the talking for over 65 years (and counting) and has garnered for him a growing legion of fans, aspiring students of the genre, and jazz-loving admirers alike. Seats fill up quickly at all their shows in Bangalore, as soon as the word gets out that Rex and his band, The Rex Rozario Quintet (RRQ), are gearing up to play.
Nurturing talent
Rex, a third-generation musician, has stayed true to his craft, like a gardener carefully nipping and pruning—nurturing the art of tasteful entertainment from buttery-smooth piano tunes to playful, easy-like-Sunday-morning, sax notes. Thanks to his untiring efforts, people’s fascination with jazz has garnered Rex and his band many ardent fans, many of whom have taken the bold next of signing up for saxophone lessons under the watchful, patient eye of the maestro himself. For decades, Rex’s humble home in Bangalore’s old neighbourhood of Austin Town has been the incubation suite for many musicians who have gone on to make it big in the city’s thriving music circuit
A golden legacy to follow
Rex has certainly set some high standards, and it is only fair that the coming generations step up and keep that flag flying proudly. At the end of it all, Rex remains his simple self as an octogenarian, gentleman, and grandfather. Rarely or never would a harsh word escape his lips—a rare quality in someone of Rex’s stature.
To quote the legend himself, “Try hard enough, and you can be excellent at anything you put your mind to.”
