Akron has lost a guitar god.
Musician Freddie Salem , who played for The Outlaws , produced record albums and operated local nightclubs, has died after a long battle with cancer. He was 70.
His recent project, Freddie Salem & Lonewolf , confirmed the news Monday afternoon with a post on Facebook: “This morning, the heavens parted for the arrival of a legend. Rock on high, Freddie Salem. Until we meet again.”
The Outlaws announced on Facebook: “It’s with a heavy heart that we have to tell Outlaws fans about the passing of our former guitarist Freddie Salem. Freddie passed from complications due to cancer and will be remembered for his outgoing personality and passion for music. … He was an electric performer and beloved musician and he will be missed.”
Jukeboxes and rock bands
Fred George Salem Jr., the son of Edna and Fred G. Salem Sr., was born May 15, 1954, in Akron and grew up in Fairlawn and Copley.
Freddie’s introduction to music came from listening to jukeboxes in bars. His father owned Byron’s Cafe at 456 W. Bowery St. in downtown Akron and the Melody Inn at 3941 State Road in Northampton Township.