Paul Freedman

Canadian multi-instrumentalist (considered a prodigy on violin but also played brass and reeds) and circus clown. Joined Billy Bissett's band in Toronto and accompanied it when it moved to England, where he met and married a dancer Vera Wood. After Bissett's band disbanded in 1939 he remained in England playing for assorted orchestras and dance bands. Playing in 1944 as part of Debroy Somers Band (Freedman was the deputy conductor) he made friends with a musical comedy act, The Cairoli Brothers. When the eldest Cairoli (actually the father) passed away in 1947, Freedman joined the younger as a circus act and started his career as a musical clown. b. August 26th, 1909 in Toronto, Ontario d. March 4th, 1984