A cherished member of Chicago's jazz royalty, legendary guitarist George Freeman, was preparing to celebrate his 98th birthday with a special performance at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge.
According to the Suggest, the esteemed musician passed away on April 1 at age 97, just days before his scheduled birthday celebration performances.
The Green Mill performances scheduled for April 11 and 12 will continue as planned, transforming into a tribute concert led by his three bandmates. Freeman's death marks the end of an era in Chicago's vibrant jazz scene, where he remained active until his final days.
Born on April 10, 1927, George Freeman emerged from a family deeply rooted in jazz excellence. His father served as a Chicago police officer while his mother maintained their home. The Freeman family name became synonymous with jazz excellence through George and his talented brothers.
Freeman's musical journey began at DuSable High School under the guidance of the celebrated musical director Captain Walter Dyett. His rebellious spirit showed early when he refused to remain in the rhythm section, leading to his removal from the school band. This independent streak would later define his unique musical style.
The Freeman family faced tragedy in 1947 when George's father died in the line of duty. The three Freeman brothers - George, saxophonist Von, and drummer Eldridge "Bruz" - made a solemn commitment to care for their mother, who lived to be 103 years old.
Even as he approached his centenary, Freeman's passion for music never dimmed. When holding a guitar pick became challenging, he innovatively adapted by using kitchen cabinet knobs to play the strings. This creative solution exemplified his unwavering dedication to his craft.
Mike Allemana, Freeman's fellow musician and University of Chicago jazz ensemble leader, highlighted Freeman's distinctive approach to music. His comments shed light on Freeman's ability to synthesize various influences into a unique style.
Freeman's career took flight in the 1940s when he started leading his own group, performing at Chicago's Pershing Hotel and touring major cities including New York, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. His journey included collaborations with jazz legends Charlie Parker and Billie Holiday.
Freeman's discography spans over a dozen albums as a bandleader, with his final recording "The Good Life" released by HighNote Records in 2023. That same year, he delivered a poignant performance at the Chicago Jazz Festival, performing his brother Von's composition "Brother George" at the Pritzker Pavilion.
Despite appearing on DownBeat magazine's cover in 1971, Freeman's unconventional style and bold guitar solos may have limited his mainstream appeal. However, this never deterred him from pursuing his unique musical vision. His early career included performances in a local swing band during his teenage years.
Throughout his extensive career, Freeman maintained his distinctive sound while adapting to changing times. His ability to evolve while staying true to his artistic vision earned him deep respect in the jazz community.
George Freeman's passing at 97 marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Chicago's jazz history. The revered guitarist, who played alongside legends and helped establish his family's jazz dynasty in Chicago, maintained his musical passion until his final days. The upcoming tribute performances at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge will celebrate Freeman's extraordinary life and contributions to jazz. His innovative spirit, from his early days at DuSable High School to his creative use of kitchen knobs as guitar tools in his later years, leaves an indelible mark on Chicago's rich jazz heritage.
