Died On This Date (August 11, 2012) Von Freeman / Chicago Jazz Great
themusicsover Earle “Von” Freeman
October 3, 1923 – August 11, 2012
Von Freeman was an influential jazz saxophonist who was revered the world over by fans of hard bop. Even though his skills matched that of say, John Coltrane, Freeman never enjoyed the commercial success of the jazz titans beside whom he could easily stand. This was perhaps by design. When once called by Miles Davis to replace Coltrane, Freeman respectfully declined. After serving in the Navy – and playing in the Navy Band – during WWII, Freeman settled back in his hometown of Chicago where he and his brother, George Freeman, backed national acts when the toured through town. That list includes Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. Freeman also played in Sun Ra’s band during the early ’50s. In 1972, he began making his own albums, most of which were critical favorites. Even though his early records showcased a musical genius that was beyond most, it wasn’t until later releases, like 2004’s The Great Divide, that Freeman achieved some commercial success. He did, however, receive one of music’s highest honors, a Jazz Masters Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. Von Freeman was 88 when he died of heart failure on August 11, 2012.
What You Should Own
Marvin Hamlisch was a New York City born composer who is one of just two people (the other being Richard Rodgers) to have won an Emmy, an Oscar, a Tony, a Grammy, and a Pulitzer Prize. His total count was four Emmys, three Oscars, one Tony, four Grammys, one Pulitzer Prize, plus two Golden Globes. A child prodigy, Hamlisch was just seven when he was accepted to Julliard’s pre-college division. Years later, his first job was as Barbra Streisand’s rehearsal pianist for Funny Girl. His movie score credits include The Way We Were, The Sting, Ordinary People, The Spy Who Loved Me, and Sophie’s Choice. For Broadway, he composed the award-winning score for A Chorus Line among others. A songwriter as well, Hamlisch wrote hits for Lesley Gore and Carly Simon. Marvin Hamlisch was 68 when, on August 6, 2012, he died following a brief illness. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Johnnie Bassett was an American electric blues guitarist, singer and songwriter who, over the course of a career that spanned some 60 years, worked as a band leader as well as an in-demand session player for many of music’s biggest names. The list of those that the self-taught guitarist played with includes B.B.King, 
Tony Sly is best remembered as the longtime front man of San Jose, California punk band, No Use For A Name. Formed in 1987, NUFAN welcomed Sly into the fold in 1989. What started out as a hardcore band soon grew into a more melodic skate punk outfit as their fan base grew. With albums like The Daily Grind, Leche Con Carne, and Making Friends on the respected independent label, Fat Wreck Chords, the band built a loyal legion of fans the world over. In 2004, Sly released a split acoustic album with label mate and Lagwagon lead singer, Joey Cape. At least one review of the album referred to duo as punk rock’s Simon and Garfunkel. In 2008, Sly toured as a solo folk punk act and followed that two years later with 12 Song Program. That lead to another solo album in 2010. What would ultimately be his final album with No Use For A Name was 2008’s The Feel Good Album Of The Year. Tony Sly was 41 when he passed away on August 1, 2012. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Bill Doss is perhaps best remembered as a co-founder of the popular Louisiana indie-rock band, Olivia Tremor Control. He also helped form the Elephant 6 Recording Company, or Elephant 6, an indie rock supergroup of sorts which also included members of Neutral Milk Hotel, the Apples In Stereo, Beulah, Elf Power, of Montreal, and Circulatory System. Formed in 1992, Olivia Tremor Control released several critically acclaimed albums, EPs, and singles and performed at such popular music fests as All Tomorrow’s Parties and the Pitchfork Music Festival. In later years, Doss played with the Sunshine Fix and produced other bands in his own studio. He also played keyboards on the road for the Apples In Stereo since 2006, and can be heard on their New Magnetic Wonder and Travellers In Space And Time albums. The latter lists him as a member of the band. Bill Doss was 44 when he passed away on July 30, 2012. Cause of death was not immediately released.