Legendary late (April 13, 1906 - March 15, 1991) tenor saxophonist was a member of the Austin High Gang, a group of young musicians who attended the West Side Austin High School and played a crucial role in Chicago jazz development. Along with Coleman Hawkins, Freeman was the progenitor of the 1920s saxophone sound that the white pre-bop tenors would all play. Between 1926 and 1935, Freeman played with a large number of bandleaders including Red Nichols, Meyer Davis, Roger Wolfe Kahn, Ben Pollack, Zez Confrey, Joe Venuti and Gene Kardos. He joined Benny Goodman's band during the late '30s, but left because of personality conflicts (and because he tired of doing nine shows a night!). After WWII, during which he led service bands, he appeared regularly at Eddie Condon's, as well as traveling the world as a jazz soloist. He founded the "World's Greatest Jazz Band" in 1968, and stayed with it for 3 years, before he left again to do solo work. After a short period in London during the 1970s, Freeman returned to Chicago, where he continued to perform (well into his 80s) from time to time, until ill health forced his retirement.
His recordings with Gene Krupa and the others during the late '20s became Chicago jazz classics, as on the recording Jazz Classics 1927-8. Other Freeman music includes It's Got To Be The Eel: A Tribute To Bud Freeman (1939-40; Affinity), Chicago/Austin High School Jazz in Hi Fi (1958; RCA), Something To Remember You By (1962; Black Lion), and The Compleat Bud Freeman. His 1989 autobiography is called Crazeology: The Autobiography of a Chicago Jazzman.
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