FREDDY & ME

I just learned that my buddy, Freddy Cole, died recently. Though he lived a long and full life, and apparently went peacefully, my heart is crushed.

I got to know Freddy when we partnered on my last album under my own name, 2015’s #LEGENDS. We recorded “Two of a Kind” together with a 30 piece orchestra under the command of the legendary Marion Evans for DulceTone records. Though I don’t like listening to my own music, I love listening to that one. The talent (not mine) that comes across on every piece of that track is just priceless. And Freddy rules it. Also, we are cracking each other up throughout the track — and it works — which makes it special.

It’s going to take a while before I listen to it again. Sooooo many memories, not just involving Freddy and me. We’ve lost a few others.

There are 100 stories I could tell about the #LEGENDS sessions and my times w him, but Freddy wouldn’t want anyone to go on and on. Here’s one though before I leave you:

It was shortly after the release of the record. Tony Bennett was playing Atlanta on his tour with Lady Gaga. We had a whole crew….Freddy, his devoted grandson Tracy, Former Congressman Bob Barr and his charming wife Jeri, and a few others including the famous Marion Evans and his adoring wife…

Tony’s musical director at the time was also mine. Mike Renzi. So Mike tells Tony that Freddy is in the house….

At one point in the set, Tony and Stephanie (Gaga) stop the show, literally, to pay tribute to Freddy. And the crowd went bonkers for him. Bonkers!!

He was moved to tears and it was one of the greatest, sweetest moments of my career. I will never forget it…

God Bless you, Fred. Thank you for everything. Rest well. Give our love to your brother and sweet Natalie. And mad love to Tracy and the Cole family. ❤️

(Photo by Christopher Makos)