Freddy Rundquist

I am proud to say that Freddy Rundquist was a dear friend of mine.  He, being older than I, was one of my guitar-playing heroes when I was in my teens.  I considered him as one of my heroes till the day he died.  I remember how I used to run home from  grammar school, or abruptly leave a playground, to view some TV show on which Freddy was performing with the Art Van Damme Quintet.  I listened intently to hear every note of his improvised solos, and everything he played in support of everyone else’s solos.

When a position for guitar, on the Staff of Musicians at the American Broadcasting Company opened up, it was Freddy Rundquist who advised Rex Maupin to hire me.  He also advised Rex to check out my qualifications by calling my former guitar teacher, George Allen, and Bob Trendler, boss of the WGN staff of musicians.  I came to work at ABC without even having to audition, thanks to all three of these supportive gentlemen.