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Von Freeman


 

Von Freeman | E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune | tc706

Jazz tenor saxophonist and mentor Earle Lavon “Von” Freeman Sr. was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 3, 1923. His father was a close friend of Louis Armstrong, who lodged with them in Chicago. Freeman began his professional career at the age of 16 in Horace Henderson’s Orchestra. He served in the Navy during World War II and after training he was sent to Hawaii as part of the Hellcats band. After the war he resumed his music career, and mentored countless younger musicians including Corey Wilkes and Ben Paterson. Freeman is considered a founder of the “Chicago School” of jazz tenorists, a group which includes Gene Ammons, Johnny Griffin and Clifford Jordan. Jazz saxophonist Chico Freeman is his son. 

Von Freeman died from heart failure in Chicago, Illinois on August 11, 2012. 

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