"Free For All" - Frank Rosolino

“Free For All” (PDF) from the Frank Rosolino album, Free For All

Completing the holy-trinity of bop trombonists from the Midwest - including J.J. Johnson from Indianapolis along with Chicago’s Bennie Green - Frank Rosolino’s early proficiency with the instrument afforded him entrance into Detroit’s Cass Tech High School Symphony. He went on to military service during the second World War by performing in the Army band, and spent the post-war years touring with various big bands - as did many of his contemporaries. However, unlike the musicians who fought for Civil Rights and pursued the musical liberation of bebop within the working scenes of New York City and Detroit during this time, Rosolino’s endeavors took him westward toward the showbiz lights of Las Vegas and Hollywood where his virtuosity, comedic timing, and mischievous charisma provided him the opportunity to entertain audiences around the world on the stage and screen.

Rosolino is often only remembered for his onstage persona and not for the heinous acts of violence upon his own family, or for his declining mental health that led to his demise. Neither the local authorities nor his colleagues could provide an explanation for Rosolino’s motivation, and yet similar offstage struggles for many Black musicians are often stereotypically portrayed in service of their artistic breakthroughs. If we seek the origin story to Rosolino’s titular blues tune, then we must honestly examine the life experiences and opportunities that may not actually be free for all.

Recommended reading: “The Joker: Frank Rosolino,” Meet Me At Jim & Andy’s by Gene Lees. Published by Oxford University Press.