Bud Freeman
1906–1991 (age 85)
jazz musician
Biography
Bud Freeman was an influential jazz musician whose tenor saxophone voice helped define the swing era in Chicago and beyond. He performed with a lyrical grace that captivated audiences and nurtured the art form through decades of evolution, leaving an indelible imprint on the jazz tradition.
Beyond his music, Bud cared deeply for younger performers, often taking time to teach and inspire, believing firmly in passing the torch to the next generation. The notes of his legacy continue to be remembered fondly by listeners and fellow musicians alike, who now honor him at Graceland Cemetery.