Johnny Frigo was a versatile and celebrated American jazz musician, best known for his dual mastery of the violin and the double bass, as well as his work as a songwriter, poet, and painter. Born in Chicago, Frigo began as a violinist but switched to the upright bass in high school to attract more work. He spent much of his early professional life as a bassist, touring with the big bands of Chico Marx and Jimmy Dorsey in the 1940s. After World War II, he co-founded the Soft Winds trio with Herb Ellis and Lou Carter. During this time, he co-wrote the jazz standard "Detour Ahead," famously recorded by Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan. Frigo returned to Chicago in 1951, where he became the city's premier "first-call" studio bassist for the next 35 years. He also famously wrote and performed the 1969 Chicago Cubs fight song, "Hey Hey, Holy Mackerel". In the mid-1980s, while in his 70s, Frigo returned to the violin full-time. He enjoyed a remarkable career resurgence, appearing on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and recording several critically acclaimed albums as a leader. Beyond music, Frigo was a published poet and a skilled pastel artist. His book When My Fiddle's in the Case showcases these talents, pairing his original verse with his artwork. Johnny Frigo died on July 4, 2007, at the age of 90 in Chicago.