George Freeman

George Freeman, a jazz guitarist and mainstay of the Chicago music scene, died April 1, 2025, at the age of 97.

Born in Chicago, Freeman came from a family filled with great musicians, including his brothers, Von and Eldridge, a respected saxophonist and drummer, respectively. Introduced to the thriving city scene by his father, a police officer who came to know the musicians who played the clubs on his beat, Freeman was already making a name for himself by the time he was a teen. In the 1950s, he played with the legendary Charlie Parker, and he soon became one of the great local bebop artists.

He later won wider acclaim playing and touring with saxophonist Gene Ammons, bringing a more avant-garde approach to Ammons' otherwise traditional music. Even well into his 90s, Freeman never stopped performing, despite being unable to hold his guitar pick the way he used to. He died just days before being scheduled to play a show to celebrate his 98th birthday.

Mike Allemana, Chicago composer and music educator, said of Freeman on Facebook, "George was not only a brilliant musician, he was a generous storyteller, with a sharp memory, who shared fascinating histories of African American culture and … thought deeply about musical aesthetics and social relations. Another example of the many ways that George made the world a better place."

(Image: Paul Natkin/WireImage)