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Renowned jazz guitarist and Chicago icon George Freeman has passed away at the age of 97. Freeman died on April 1, just days before he was set to celebrate his 98th birthday with performances at the legendary Green Mill Cocktail Lounge. The shows on April 11 and 12 will now serve as tribute concerts in his honour, led by his three bandmates.
Freeman was one of the last surviving musicians to have performed and recorded with jazz great Charlie Parker. Over a career spanning more than 80 years, he played with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Billie Holiday and Gene Ammons. His most recent album, The Good Life, was released in 2023.
A Family of Jazz Royalty
Born in Chicago on April 10, 1927, Freeman was part of a musical dynasty. His brothers included celebrated saxophonist Von Freeman and drummer Eldridge "Bruz" Freeman, while his nephew, Chico Freeman, is also an acclaimed saxophonist. Music filled his childhood home, with his mother singing in a church choir and his father playing piano. Even legendary pianist Fats Waller was known to visit.
Freeman’s musical journey began at DuSable High School under the direction of famed bandleader Captain Walter Dyett. However, he was dismissed from the school band after refusing to play in the back with the rhythm section—an early sign of his determination to put the guitar in the spotlight.
A Unique and Uncompromising Sound
Freeman’s approach to jazz guitar was bold and unconventional. While many jazz guitarists aimed for a smooth, polished tone, his playing had a raw, grungy edge that bridged the gap between jazz and Chicago blues. His solos, often described as "going outside," deliberately clashed with a tune’s key signature, adding an element of unpredictability to his music.
“He took all kinds of influences of the guitar and melded them together, for sure. That was definitely one of his goals,” said Mike Allemana, a fellow guitarist and director of the University of Chicago jazz ensemble.
Despite his immense talent, mainstream success eluded Freeman. His 1971 appearance on the cover of DownBeat magazine could have propelled him to greater fame, but his unconventional style was seen as too jarring for wider audiences. Still, he remained a respected and influential figure in jazz circles.
A Life Dedicated to Music
Freeman’s resilience and creativity never faded. As he neared 100, arthritis made it difficult for him to hold a guitar pick. Undeterred, he adapted by using knobs from kitchen cabinets to pluck the strings, showcasing his lifelong ingenuity and passion for music.
He performed regularly in Chicago well into his 90s, including a memorable set at the 2023 Chicago Jazz Festival, where he delivered a heartfelt guitar solo on his late brother Von Freeman’s composition, "Brother George."
Freeman also had a playful side. Chicago blues musician Billy Branch recalled a joke-turned-song the two shared: “We did a song we called, ‘Where’s the Cornbread?’ It got its name because I was on the phone asking my wife, ‘Where’s the cornbread?’ George thought it was hilarious, and from then on, whenever he saw me, he’d say, ‘Billy, where’s the cornbread?’ So we decided to make it a song.”
Honouring a Jazz Great
Freeman’s legacy is one of perseverance, innovation, and an unwavering love for music. Though he never sought the limelight, he was revered by those who knew and played with him. As Chicago blues legend Billy Branch put it, Freeman was "truly one of the last of the living jazz greats, and specifically, Chicago jazz greats."
Services for Freeman are being planned, and his music will continue to inspire generations of jazz musicians and listeners alike.