Chico Freeman, born Earl Lavon Freeman Jr. on July 17, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, is a renowned American jazz saxophonist, trumpeter, composer, and producer. The son of legendary saxophonist Von Freeman, Chico was introduced to music at an early age, learning piano and trumpet before transitioning to the tenor saxophone. His musical journey was deeply influenced by his family's rich jazz heritage and the vibrant Chicago blues scene.

Freeman's formal education began with a mathematics scholarship at Northwestern University, where he switched his major to music. He later pursued a master's degree in Composition and Theory at Governors State University, further honing his skills under the tutelage of notable musicians like Muhal Richard Abrams.

Chico Freeman's professional career took off in the 1970s, marked by his debut album "Morning Prayer" in 1976. He quickly established himself in New York's jazz scene, collaborating with jazz greats such as Elvin Jones, Sun Ra, and Charles Mingus. Freeman's music, characterized by a blend of post-bop, fusion, and avant-garde jazz, has earned him critical acclaim, including the New York Jazz Award in 1979 and Stereo Review's Record of the Year in 1981 for "The Outside Within."

Throughout his career, Freeman has been a prolific recording artist and an innovative collaborator, working with a diverse array of musicians including Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, and Michael Jackson. He has been a member of influential groups such as The Leaders and Brainstorm, and has contributed significantly to the jazz genre through his educational efforts at institutions like the New School University.

Freeman's work is celebrated for its technical prowess and emotional depth, reflecting a lifetime dedicated to musical exploration and cultural fusion. After spending over a decade in Europe, Freeman returned to the United States in 2016, continuing to influence and inspire the jazz world with his performances and recordings.