Guitarist Freddy Guy Interviewed by John McDonough (1969)

Abstract Two or three years ago there appeared a jazz piece in Jet magazine in which the author named his choice for three of the most important rhythm guitarists in jazz history: “Charlie Christian, Freddie Green, and the late Freddy Guy.” Every time Fred Guy recalls that story these days, he chuckles and a twinkle lights his eye. Though the guitarist, who played Ellingtonian rhythms with Sonny Greer and assorted bassists for 26 years, today enjoys the best of health, marking his 69th [recte 71st?] birthday last May, perhaps there is little fault in having lost track of someone who has not drawn a paycheck as a musician for 19 years, even if he is a Duke Ellington alumnus.