Fred Anderson (musician)

Fred Anderson (March 22, 1929 – June 24, 2010) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. He was a key figure in the free jazz movement, particularly in Chicago, where he founded the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) in 1965.

Anderson was born in Monroe, Louisiana, and moved to Chicago in the late 1940s. Initially influenced by Charlie Parker, he developed his own distinctive, intensely expressive style, characterized by a powerful tone and improvisational daring.

He performed and recorded extensively, both as a leader and sideman, with notable musicians such as Lester Bowie, Hamid Drake, William Parker, and many others. He owned and operated the Velvet Lounge, a celebrated jazz club on Chicago's South Side, from the 1980s until his death. The Velvet Lounge became a vital performance space for established and emerging jazz artists and a cornerstone of Chicago's jazz scene.

Anderson's discography includes albums such as The Milwaukee Tapes Vol. 1, 2 Days in April, and Timeless: Live at the Velvet Lounge. He was widely recognized for his contributions to jazz, receiving numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. His legacy continues through his recordings, the artists he influenced, and the lasting impact of the Velvet Lounge.