Freddie Salem was a rock guitarist best known for his time with the Southern rock band Outlaws.
- Died: September 23, 2024 (Who else died on September 23?)
- Details of death: Died of complications from cancer at the age of 70.
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Freddie Salem’s legacy
By the time Akron, Ohio-born Salem was 16, he was already booking professional gigs on guitar and drums. He was turned onto rock music through the jukebox at his father’s bar, and once he honed his musical chops, at 19, he became lead guitarist for The Chambers Brothers.
Salem’s demo tape drew the attention of Florida-based Southern rock band Outlaws, and in 1977, the band drafted him to replace their guitarist, Henry Paul. He spent the next six years with the band touring, writing, recording, and performing. His first credit with Outlaws was on their 1978 live LP, “Bring It Back Alive,” then the studio-recorded “Playin’ to Win” later that year. Salem was with them for five albums overall. During that time, he contributed to the songwriting, too, penning “Falling Rain,” “White Horses,” “Goodbye,” and other tracks.
Salem departed the band in 1983 to pursue other projects, and he subsequently played with The Godz and Michael Rank, recorded acoustic guitar for Barbra Streisand, and more. He also led Freddie Salem & Lonewolf. When not performing, Salem worked as a producer and session musician.
Tributes to Freddie Salem
Full obituary: Akron Beacon Journal
