Von Freeman

Von Freeman was a legendary tenor saxophonist and a cornerstone of Chicago's jazz scene for decades. Born in 1923, Freeman developed a deeply personal style that was both rooted in bebop and daringly free, known for his big, rugged tone and adventurous phrasing. He started out playing with big names like Sun Ra and Ahmad Jamal but really carved his niche in small clubs on Chicago’s South Side, becoming a mentor to younger musicians, including his son, Chico Freeman.

Although he didn’t achieve widespread fame until later in life, Von earned critical acclaim for his soulful, improvisational approach and dedication to jazz as a living, breathing art form. His recordings—spanning early releases like Doin’ It Right Now to later works like The Improvisor—capture the essence of his powerful, spontaneous sound. Always true to his roots, Von Freeman remained a beloved figure in jazz until his passing in 2012, embodying the spirit of Chicago jazz with every note he played.