By: Jonathan Bennett

Saxophone great Sonny Rollins was recently honored for his achievements in jazz music, taking home three awards during the annual Jazz Awards on June 20. The Associated Press reports Rollins won custom trophies including Top Tenor Saxophonist for his latest CD, "Road Shows, Vol, 2," and Musician of the Year, for the second year in a row.

According to the news outlet, Rollins was unable to attend the ceremony because he was moving into a new home, but he had prepared a statement to be read that explained how honored he was to be recognized once again.

"I was born with some talent for which I am grateful," Rollins wrote in a statement which was read by emcee Josh Jackson, according to the AP. "I copied and learned from my predecessors and I'm grateful to them, and I gratefully accept this award."

The Jazz Journalists Association reports Amiri Baraka, author of the books "Blues People" and "Black Music" also won a prestigious recognition award. The author, poet and playwright was honored with the Award for Lifetime Achievement in Jazz Journalism. Other big winners include Horace Silver, who took home the Lifetime Achievement in Jazz Award and Ben Williams, who won the Up and Coming Artist of the Year Award.