George Freeman, a pioneering jazz guitarist who enjoyed a remarkable late-career resurgence, has passed away at the age of 97. Freeman, known for his bold, adventurous playing style, died in Chicago on April 1, confirmed by his nephew, Mark Freeman.
Freeman’s playing was instantly recognizable. In a memorable 1970 performance, when tenor saxophonist Gene Ammons and his band appeared as guests on WTTW, most of the band stuck to the expected backing progressions. But Freeman stood out, boldly exploring harmonic fringes with fiery, hard-rocking solos. This was characteristic of Freeman’s daring approach to jazz, and he remained an unyielding innovator throughout his career.
A Chicago native born on April 10, 1927, Freeman was an early proponent of bebop, a genre he championed as a teenager. Inspired by the work of his idol, Charlie Parker, Freeman would go on to play alongside Parker in iconic performances at the Pershing Ballroom in the early 1950s. His career as a sideman saw him collaborating with some of jazz’s greatest names, including Count Basie, Dexter Gordon, Lester Young, Sonny Stitt, Coleman Hawkins, and Jimmy McGriff.
Despite his extensive resume and critical acclaim, Freeman’s career never achieved the widespread commercial success many had anticipated. Frequently overshadowed by his older brother, Von Freeman, a legendary tenor saxophonist, George’s career took a backseat at times. Freeman reflected on this in a 2023 interview, noting how his innovative, forward-thinking playing sometimes made it difficult for radio DJs to fully embrace his sound.
Freeman’s professional journey began in Chicago, where he grew up in a musically inclined household. His father, George Freeman Sr., a police officer, exposed his sons to music through late-night jazz radio listening sessions. Freeman’s love for guitar was ignited after hearing blues guitarist T-Bone Walker perform at the Rhumboogie Café in Hyde Park. Too young to enter the club, Freeman snuck in through a stage door to witness Walker’s dynamic performance. This moment inspired Freeman to pursue his own musical path.
By the late 1940s, Freeman had already started making a name for himself in Chicago’s jazz scene, playing with groups like Eugene Wright’s Dukes of Swing and joining tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin in the Joe Morris Orchestra. His early recording work was impressive, though Freeman was occasionally overlooked for composing credits on significant hits.
Freeman’s career continued to evolve in the 1960s, as he crossed into soul and R&B, performing with artists like Jackie Wilson and Sil Austin. He returned to Chicago in the late 1960s and became part of Gene Ammons’ band, playing until Ammons’ death in 1974. Freeman also released several albums as a bandleader, including “Introducing George Freeman Live” (1971) and “Birth Sign” (1972).
A defining moment in Freeman’s late career came after his return to Chicago in the 2010s. When his older brother Von Freeman passed away in 2012, the Chicago jazz community rallied around George. His booking opportunities surged, culminating in the Tribune naming him its Chicagoan of the Year in Jazz in 2014. Freeman continued to perform with both new and old collaborators, including his nephew Chico Freeman, in the album “All in the Family” (2015).
Freeman’s most recent work, “The Good Life” (2023), featured jazz heavyweights Christian McBride and Joey DeFrancesco, marking yet another milestone in his illustrious career. Although Freeman’s health had begun to decline due to worsening vision problems, he remained active in the jazz scene, hosting an annual birthday concert at the Green Mill, Chicago’s historic jazz venue. Freeman’s next birthday concert was scheduled for April 11 and 12, 2023, and will now serve as a memorial to the late guitarist.
Freeman’s contributions to jazz were profound, and his final words echoed a sentiment he shared throughout his career: “Why not help another musician do his thing? You’ll get your turn when the time comes.” His passing leaves a significant void in the jazz world, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians.
George Freeman is survived by his nephews Chico and Mark Freeman, along with great-nieces and -nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Eldridge “Bruz” Freeman and Von Freeman. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Related Topics
- Steven Wilson Reflects on the Electric Guitar’s Legacy and the Role of Digital Tools in Modern Music
- Gene Simmons’ Early Bold Prediction About KISS Revealed by Manfred Mann Guitarist
- Remembering Jeff Porcaro: 10 Iconic Tracks Featuring the Legendary Drummer
