Sax Man

Maurice Reedus Jr. (January 19, 1953 – April 16, 2018), better known as the Sax Man, was an American saxophone player and street performer based in Cleveland, Ohio. For more than 17 years, Reedus played an alto saxophone outside Playhouse Square and Cleveland sporting events.[1] A documentary about his life and career, The Sax Man, directed by Joe Siebert, premiered at the 2014 Cleveland International Film Festival.[2]

Maurice Reedus Jr.
Also known asSax Man
Born(1953-01-19)January 19, 1953
DiedApril 16, 2018(2018-04-16) (aged 65)
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Occupation(s)Street performer
InstrumentsSaxophone
Associated actsSly, Slick and Wicked

Reedus was the oldest of six children born to Maurice Reedus Sr. and his wife. His father played saxophone for Robert Lockwood Jr. for thirty-five years, and Reedus Jr. grew up desiring to follow suit.[3]

In 2013, Reedus received two tickets from police for playing without a license or a permit, which prompted City Councilman Joe Cimperman to push for legislation in favor of Reedus.[4] In July 2013, the Cleveland City Council passed the Street Performers Ordinance, also known as the Sax Man Legislation, which explicitly allows "acting, singing, playing musical instruments, pantomime, juggling, magic, dancing, reciting and clowning" on Cleveland streets for money.[5] Days later, Reedus played a reunion concert with his former band, Sly, Slick and Wicked, at the Cleveland House of Blues, where Cimperman presented him with the legislation.[6]

Philip Morris of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland's daily newspaper, described Reedus as "the best known street musician to ever call this city home."[7] Joe Siebert called him "a fixture in the city", noting his many years of playing on the streets and the fame he has garnered among Cleveland locals.[8]

Reedus died on April 16, 2018, at the age of 65.[3]

References
  1. "Most Interesting People 2013: Maurice Reedus Jr". Cleveland Magazine. January 2013. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  2. De Marco, Laura (22 March 2014). "Cleveland International Film Festival 2014: 'The Sax Man' is a moving introduction to a local legend (Review)". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  3. McIntyre, Michael K. (April 16, 2018). "Cleveland's "Sax Man," Maurice Reedus Jr., dies at age 65". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
  4. McIntyre, Michael (27 June 2013). "'Sax Man' ordinance would make it clear musicians can play on Cleveland streets". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  5. McIntyre, Michael (11 July 2013). "'Sax Man,' other Cleveland street performers can play legally for tips after City Council vote". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  6. Niesel, Jeff (20 July 2013). "The Sax Man honored during House of Blues concert". Cleveland Scene. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  7. Morris, Phillip (23 March 2014). "The Sax Man is an authentic movie for Cleveland about Cleveland". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved 30 March 2014.
  8. Allard, Sam (26 December 2013). "Interview: The Sax Man of Cleveland". Cleveland Scene. Retrieved 30 March 2014.
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