David Martin Freedman

1943 - 2024

Born on October 29, 1943, David Martin Freedman was born to inquire, champion, and innovate. From earliest days, he forged an individual path to understanding the things he loved: trombone, books, finches, French literature, New Orleans culture, how to listen to and broadcast musical performance of quality. He had cutting-edge expertise in the diffusion of sound on air and online. As a longstanding student of the Talmud, Torah, and Judaica, he was happiest when reading difficult texts and pursuing the mysteries of Judaism. His well-honed skills in debating ideas and principles were earnestly shared with family and friends. He loved New Orleans deeply and devoted much of his life to celebrating its rich traditions. While completing high school studies, he worked at Latter Library-a labour of love that came with an introduction to the practicalities of life. He wrestled with deadlines and revelled in ideas, the former sometimes sidelined by the latter. But the work at the library laid down a love of books that enthralled his life. After graduation, he continued his studies at Tulane, UNO, and Stanford which led to a year-long stint in France. With his first wife, Marsha, and a motorcycle, David found adventure at almost every turn. If none were evident, he was adept at creating conditions that guaranteed they soon would be. His exhilarating work at KUSP in California, treks in Mexico, and his turn as a taxi driver in New York City were all grist for the adventure mill, a perfect preparation for the uncharted territory that awaited at WWOZ. As General Manager of the station from 1992 – 2016, David's gifts for connecting local voices and talent with trailblazing ideas and technology transported the station to the world stage. His vision of what the station could bring to the New Orleans Jazz Fest resulted in a myriad of innovations that blossomed into beloved traditions and provided a platform for the generation of new ones to come. He worked in the midst of a heady brew of talent, dedication, bureaucracy and individualism that made for a perfect cup of the New Orleans experience. Respected as a seminal innovator in internet streaming, he played a leadership role as President of the Association of Independents in Radio (AIR) and he presented to a conference of music executives at The Grammys in 2010. Along with his second wife, Anne Smith Freedman, David continued his quests for discovery in general, and the meaning of his life as a Jew, in particular. Together, Anne and David spent many hours in discourse, celebrating Jewish traditions with friends, and leaning toward the light of religious fulfillment. David, beloved son of Bernard and Lola Freedman (pre-deceased) is survived by his sister, Barbara, and his brother Allen (Becky), as well as nephews, Jonah (Suneeta) , Aaron (Diane), Jordan, Evan (Jeannine), and Yehuda (Hila). Graveside services will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 1:00pm at New Beth Israel Cemetery, 4400 Elysian Fields Avenue with Rabbi Phillip Kaplan officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to WWOZ Community Radio, 600 Decatur St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. For more information please call Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 504-486-6331 or online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.