Von Freeman

Von Freeman, born Earle Lavon "Von" Freeman Sr. on October 3, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, was a pioneering American jazz tenor saxophonist and composer, renowned for his contributions to the hard bop genre. A founder of the "Chicago School" of jazz tenorists, alongside Gene Ammons and Johnny Griffin, Freeman crafted a sound that was both a profound cry and a jubilant shout, resonating deeply with the soul. Though not as widely recognized as his son, Chico Freeman, Von Freeman was equally, if not more, accomplished, leaving an indelible mark on the jazz world. His music, described by jazz critic Kevin Whitehead as a testament to late bloomers and great jazz musicians, continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.