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"Benjamin R. Freedman, wrote jingles used worldwide" Published by The Buffalo News 01/16/2013 Ben R. Freedman December 26, 1949 - January 9, 2013 Benjamin R. Freedman, the Buffalo native known as "The Jingle Guy" because of the thousands of musical themes he created for radio stations and disc jockeys locally and around the world, died last Wednesday in Plano, Texas, after suffering a heart attack. He was 63. Born in Buffalo, Mr. Freedman was playing drums with his own group, the Ball Bearings, when he was 12. Listening to radio stations in Buffalo and Rochester in summer camp, he became intrigued with station ID jingles. He began his jingle-writing career when he was 14, writing songs for his cousin Fred Bock's pirate radio station and recording them using neighborhood talent in his parents' home in Amherst. While still attending Amherst High School, he was an afternoon and Saturday DJ on WYSL-FM. Enrolling in Butler University in Indianapolis in 1968, he set up a full-time studio there for his company, WAY Productions. In Amherst, he recruited singers to form A Capellas Unlimited, which harmonized commercials and radio station promos. By the mid-1970s, he was creating jingles for BBC Radio One and Radio Luxembourg from an elaborate studio he built in his own home in North Buffalo. He moved to Dallas in 1988 and was an executive for major jingle companies there until he formed his own company in 1995. According to his website, Ben Freedman Productions is "the oldest continuously operated radio ID jingle company on the planet." He moved back to the Buffalo area to be near his aging parents in 1997. While here, he created new jingle packages for Danny Neaverth and Tommy Shannon on WHTT 104 FM and established Jingle University online to teach newcomers the business. Returning to Dallas about 10 years ago, he continued creating jingles part time and was a salesman for Scott Studios, which markets studio equipment. In addition to jingles, he worked as a production manager for 25 years with his late father, Alan L. "Bud," in Bergman Tool Manufacturing Co. on Niagara Street on Buffalo's West Side, which made adjustable wrenches, pliers and other tools for mechanics and tradesmen. Surviving are his wife of 27 years, the former Noreen Del Monte; two sons, Joshua and Ben Jr.; a daughter, Jessica Geiman; and a sister, Barbara Condrell. Dale Anderson Copyright 2013 - The Buffalo News copyright-protected material.

Extracted from the Guest Book at The Buffalo News The Guest Book will remain online permanently courtesy of Noreen, Ben Jr. and the Family. Add a message to the Guest Book May 11, 2013   Ben did several jingles for me, great guy to work with. Always had time for the little guy. He will be missed. Sympathy to family. "Original Brian McKay" March 27, 2013   Noreen & family, What a great guy who worked with anyone who appreciated his talent. I can also tell that Noreen is the same type of thoughtful, kind and helpful spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sadness. I did many packages with Ben and his spirit carrys on in his music heard round the world. We last chatted in December and Ben planned to be back in the studio in February but that day never came. Respectfully yours, Network Fred Phoenix, AZ March 18, 2013   My heart will never be put back together.. Until we meet again.. I miss you so . . ~ Your loving wife xoxoxo March 17, 2013 Ben had asked me in December 2012 to help with one of his projects. I told him after NAB I could help. Sorry I was too late. What a talent and he will be missed. The radio world needed Ben, but apparently God needed him more. Sad to let go, I will miss our occasional conversations every time I hear the last jingles he wrote for a format I've been building. ~ Ron Erickson, Oregon February 03, 2013 Since 1984, when dear Ben produced the first jingles for our international station based in Glasgow, Scotland, we've enjoyed a wonderful relationship. Whatever we needed, no matter how complicated or downright bizarre, Ben always came up not just with the goods, but always with the added joy of his pithy comments on our session recordings. Radio Six International celebrates its fiftieth year in June, and for nearly thirty years much of our station sound has been down to Ben and his passion for radio IDs. We will miss him, his humor, and his remarkable talent. Our love and sympathy to Noreen and the family.   ~ Tony Currie, Glasgow, Scotland January 25, 2013 Ben leaves an unbelievable legacy of kindness and creativity. I operate radio stations in St. Louis Missouri and talked with Ben many times during the last five years. He and I last emailed each other January 7th regarding a project. He will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on for years. My sincerest sympathies to Ben's family. He now creates jingles in heaven. God bless you. ~ Terry Fox, St. Louis, Missouri January 25, 2013 Dear Noreen and family, my prayers and sincere condolences to you. Such sad news particularly as we'd only recently had some positive correspondence. Ben will be sadly missed.   ~ Paul Webber, Chorley, Lancashire UK January 22, 2013   To Noreen and family, Yvonne and I just learned of Ben's passing. We are very sad to hear of it. Last time I saw Ben was at our Grandmother Inez's 90th birthday celebration in 1982. I have fond memories of Ben, Barbara and parents when they visited Tomah Lake as children. We are praying for you and the family at this time of loss. Cousin Robert Clyde Vandervort.   ~ Robert Clyde Vandervort, Waunakee, Wisconsin January 17, 2013   Very, very sad to hear of Ben's passing. We are a very small hospital radio station in the UK east midlands and when I approached Ben a few years back to ask for advice he kindly helped us put together a very professional sounding package. He dealt with us as no doubt he dealt with big stations - it made us feel very special. His help and advice was priceless. He even sent his personal recipe for Buffalo Wings! Our thoughts go to his close friends and loved ones. RIP Ben - you will be missed. January 16, 2013   Life's most unforgettable character!! Ben and I journeyed as roommates in 1968 at Butler University. My heart is full with so much humor, craziness, and admiration. He will be missed. ~ Edmund (Edsie!) Seib III, Indianapolis, Indiana January 16, 2013 To Noreen and Ben's extended family...I am shocked and saddened to hear of Ben's passing...I just talked with him this past week about the jingle packages he was working on for our two new stations and can't believe that he's no longer with us. Ben was talented, creative, a storehouse of radio history and funny--we're all going to miss him. ~ Harold Levine, Houston, Texas Contact Me January 16, 2013   I'm saddened to hear the news of Ben's death and so very sorry for your loss, Noreen. I appreciated Ben's dedication and passion for his work. You and all in your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Bruce Wermuth, Grapevine, Texas January 16, 2013   Noreen & Benj, I am so sorry for your loss, Ben was a great friend & business partner to me, we worked together for many years. I have some wonderful memories of my stay with you back in 1988.   ~ Barry Charnley, Bexleyheath, UK January 15, 2013   I worked with Ben on a couple projects when he was at TM. Always so enthusiastic; he loved radio jingles! Ben will be missed.   ~ Marshall Such, Grapevine, Texas January 14, 2013   Noreen and Family so sorry for your loss.. I hope you find comfort in all the great memories you had together. Debbie Brucato. ~ Debbie Brucato, Tonawanda, New York January 14, 2013   The world has lost a great guy and a tremendous talent. My thoughts are with you... ~ Chuck Conrad, Kilgore, Texas January 14, 2013   Freedman Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.   ~ Robert & Sheila Palmer, Litchfield Park, Arizona January 14, 2013   Dear Noreen, Josh, Jessica & Benj, please can I add my heartfelt condolences for your great loss. I know that Ben was battling on, hoping for the best. Yet I am glad he was able to do what he loved doing best, right up until the end. I know that no matter how much you may have braced yourself for this possible outcome, we are just not able to prepare for what follows. May time help heal your pain, but meanwhile I have a strong faith in the resurrection, which means we will be able to be with those we have loved and lost, once again one fine day. May that prove true for all of us. ~ Norman Barrington, Aberdeenshire, Scotland January 14, 2013   My condolences to Noreen and the rest of Ben's family. I pray God will give you the strength and the peace to get through this tough time. I've enjoyed working with "The Jingle Guy" over the last few years. He will be missed.   ~ John Quincy, Summerville, South Carolina January 14, 2013   To Ben's Family, My sympathies are with you for your loss. Ben was a good man, and will be remembered for a long time for his work.   ~ Jeff Roteman, Carlisle, Pennsylvania January 14, 2013 Jessa and Josh I wanted to tell you that I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers will be with you and your family.   ~ Rick Pino, Buffalo, New York January 14, 2013   My condolences, Noreen and the rest of the Freedman clan. May God comfort you in this time of loss. Baruch Dayan Emet   ~ Tracy Carman, Longmeadow, Massachusetts January 13, 2013   So sad to hear of Bens' passing. He had big plans for 2013 and so much left that he wanted to do. He will live on in the many jingles he produced all over the world. His passion for the business was unsurpassed! My prayers are with the family. ~ Brenda Burt, Plano, Texas January 13, 2013   Dear Noreen and Benjamin, Our hearts are breaking for you. Wish we could be there to comfort you both. Love, Pat and Barb January 13, 2013 When the word reached me (and other Jinglemad Forum members) there was a steady stream of member stories about Ben and his past ventures. We all had something that Ben had made! And, to the family, it is "these" little things that will live forever, these clips, bits of sound, that play hour after hour around the entire world, made by Ben. God has a special task for him now.   ~ Bob Green, Keene, New Hampshire January 13, 2013   Dear Noreen, Joshua, Jessica and Ben Our Heartfelt Deepest sympathy extended to you. We were so saddened to hear of Ben's passing. May you find comfort from memories and peace in time. May his soul rest in Eternal Peace. We will miss you.... From your Cousins; Fred and Elaine Bock January 13, 2013   Ben Freedman was by far one of the funniest men I knew as a child and was the reason I can brag that I have been to Texas. He would completely appreciate me singing aloud today "take the subway, subway is the way to go"! My prayers go out for Ben & his family! You will be missed.   ~ Betsy Foglia, Kenmore, New York January 13, 2013  I love you Dad, and will miss you everyday of my life.   ~ Jessica Freedman Geiman, Buffalo, New York January 13, 2013   Ben will always be remembered for the Thousands of Great Radio Jingles he produced over the last 40 years. My condolences to Noreen and the Family Ben you are in my prayers ~ Tom Peca, Fort Mill, South Carolina January 13, 2013   Ben was a close friend all through junior and high school at Amherst. I helped him build the original studio in the family home in Williamsville during our Easter vacation. I had stayed in touch with him sporadically the past few years. My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends   ~ Clay Pasternack, Rocky River, Ohio January 13, 2013   We will never forget you and will live every day to make you proud.   ~ Ben Freedman Jr., Plano, Texas January 13, 2013   My Sweet Love, I'm lighting this candle for you, as your Are the Light of My Life, Forever. Missing you more than words can say. Nor   ~ Your One and Only True Love January 13, 2013   Oooooooooooooh my love of my life, your gone way too soon, but here in a Very Strong Spirit! I miss you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much, how will I go on without you. Life will never be the same without you. Your Loving wife, Noreen

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The JingleGuy website was originally designed by Norman Barrington.