Chicago saxophonist Fred Anderson dies at 81

Iconic Chicago jazz saxophonist Fred Anderson has died at the age of 81. Anderson was perhaps best known as the proprietor of the Velvet Lounge, the club that he opened in 1982 and ran until his death. The club was kept afloat largely through donations from Anderson's fans and admirers. He kept overhead low by performing many of the necessary tasks himself, from collecting a $10 cover charge to stocking the bar to performing at the club regularly.

The Velvet Lounge was a lightning rod for 'free' jazz in Chicago, and it was always packed with musicians jamming into the night after the Chicago Jazz Fest. It became an important focal point for young musicians as well, and many of them donated time to help keep the club running as well. Musicians who got their start at the Velvet Lounge and were nurtured by Anderson include Nicole Mitchell, Hamid Drake, Corey Wilkes, Edward Wilkerson, Jr. and longtime collaborator Tatsu Aoki.

Fred Anderson never sought stardom, but his longevity and dedication to the Chicago jazz scene guaranteed that he would be noticed. His tenor sax style was frenetic, but his playing had a definite swing to it. He is often noted as having bridged the gap between Charlie Parker's bebop and the free jazz of the 1960s.

Anderson was admitted to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston complaining of stomach pains. Two days later he suffered a massive heart attack and was unresponsive until his passing. Last year at Jazz Fest, a large gathering in Millennium Park honored Anderson and his music, which was played by an impressive contingent of musicians.