Frederick "Freddie" Roger George

10/13/1938 - 07/06/2026

Frederick "Freddie" Roger George, 87, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, at his home in Louisville, Kentucky, where he lived for 62 years. He was born on October 13, 1938, in Warren, Ohio, the son of the late Fred and Wadea (Dager) George.

During high school, he joined a singing quartet called the "Four Friends." The group appeared on several amateur shows, including the Ted Mack Show in New York, and recorded two records.

In 1965, Freddie joined several rock groups—one in Montreal, Canada, known as "Tony Roman Cinq"; one in New York City called "Yesterday's Children," performing in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, and Lake George; and one in Youngstown, Ohio, called the "Del Rays," performing throughout the area.

While serving in the Army, he played with the U.S. Army Band and was the accompanist for the Fort Knox Soldiers Chorus. He performed during the 100th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation in the company of Robert F. Kennedy, Maria von Trapp, and Lady Bird Johnson.

The very highlight of Freddie's career was an invitation to perform for his favorite actress, Elizabeth Taylor, and John Warner at a Republican fundraising dinner in Louisville, Kentucky. Elizabeth was gracious and friendly with him and asked him to play "Send in the Clowns" for her. Freddie said it was the most wonderful experience of his life and that his most precious possessions were the two large photographs taken of him and Elizabeth.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Freddie chose to stay in Louisville to work as a solo artist, considering Louisville his adopted home. He met many wonderful people there who became close friends, one of whom was his longtime friend, Susan Mayfield, whom his family thanks for graciously chauffeuring Freddie to many of his performances.

Freddie performed at many lounges in Louisville and accepted engagements at Admiral Benbow Inn, Rineys, Dixies, Elbow Room, Embassy Super Club, and the Fifth Quarter, just to name a few. After that, he accepted an engagement at Stouffer's Louisville Inn, where he entertained for three years, followed by another three-year engagement at Jim Porter's Tavern.

Brought back by popular demand, Freddie returned to Stouffer's, where his fingers continued to tap out classical music, show tunes, jazz, and popular old standards for the next five years, with the exception of appearances at the Holiday Inn in Sharon, Pennsylvania, Disney World, Cape Coral Country Club in Florida, and the Royal Inn Piano Bar in Las Vegas. The Courier Journal wrote that Freddie George was truly a Louisville institution. He never used sheet music—it was all in his head.

Freddie was just as fascinating a man as he was talented. When you spoke with him, you felt his genuine warmth and kindness. He made everyone feel special by playing their favorite songs. He faithfully sent birthday cards and gifts to his many friends and fans every year, not just to his family. How blessed we all are to have had Freddie in our lives for 87 years.

Freddie meant a great deal to all of his family, friends, and fans. He loved everybody, and that love was returned to him. His famous motto was "Love One Another," and it was displayed across the back of his piano. His patrons often said the piano man truly lived those words.

Freddie gave his last performance in December 2025 at Jerry Green's Night Club. He entertained the crowd with his great demeanor, scanning the room with his beautiful smile and sending out beams of love to each and every one of his loyal fans while pounding out a series of their unending favorite requests on his piano keyboard. He once said, "The worst thing about dying will be that I won't be able to play music anymore."

His kind heart and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Freddie is survived by his sister, Patricia L. George of New Castle, Pennsylvania; his aunt, June Griffin of Warren, Ohio; and many loving cousins.

In addition to his parents, Freddie was preceded in death by his sister, Deanna C. George.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Freddie's wonderful next-door neighbors and longtime friends, Tom Cumbee and Tony Cromer, and to his dear longtime friend, Danielle Anderson, whose help, support, and love during the past year were invaluable.

With grateful hearts, the family also thanks the caregivers from Senior Helpers for the loving care they gave Freddie.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at R. Cunningham Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle.

An honor guard service will take place at 3:00 p.m. at the conclusion of the visitation. A funeral service will immediately follow, officiated by Dennis Griffin, Freddie's cousin.

Burial will follow at Castle View Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Freddie's love of animals, memorial contributions may be made to:

Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary
100 Guston-Bewleyville Road
Guston, KY 40142

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