World's Greatest Tenors

Mel Collins has played sax on many of my favorite rock recordings over the years.

I love ALL the Tenors listed, and would add Stan Getz and Wayne Shorter, but I cannot bump Hawkins,Trane or Sonny.

Frogman,
I like your list if you're going to limit it arbitrarily to 3 tenor saxophonists.
Are we talking overall influence and stature or who we enjoy the most to
listen to? If it's the fomer criteria it's impossible to omit John Coltrane and
Coleman Hawkins . I'd replace Rollins with Lester Young, I know obviously
both are jazz icons and either is worthy. For pure listening pleasure I love
Dexter Gordon. Sonny Stitt was simply a master of both the alto and tenor
saxophones and one of my favorites. So many great ones to talk about .
Don't get me started on the trumpeters.
Charles,

Tia Fuller "Decisive Steps" Tenor Sax player. Incredible!!
(Christian McBride on a couple tracks, no more need to be said:)

Ben Webster