Rollins's citation calls the saxophonist "one of the most powerful and personal voices in jazz for more than 50 years ... [who] has elevated the unaccompanied solo to the highest artistic level — characterised by a distinctive and powerful sound, irresistible swing and an individual musical sense of humor."

The two laureates will receive their awards — worth one million Swedish kronor (currently about €110,000 or $142,000) — from King Carl XVI Gustaf on May 21.

The Polar Music Prize was founded in 1989 by Stig Anderson, publisher and manager of the Swedish pop band ABBA, and is given annually by the Royal Swedish Academy to one classical and one jazz or pop musician.

Reich, whose 70th birthday last year was celebrated with performances and honors all over the world, was awarded another major music prize last fall, Japan's Praemium Imperiale.