Ron Free is a great drummer! He's another old friend, who I've known for at least 35 years. Ron is from Charleston, SC, and his life story is fascinating. He tells that story in his recently published memoir, The Lamb and the Dove: Memoirs of a Jazz Drummer. Ron recounts his story from beginning to learn to play as a boy in Charleston, through his life in New York City in the 1950's, and on into the present day. It is fascinating. It's like he's sitting with you telling his story. It's hard to put down. I highly recommend it.  
Ron was involved in the early NYC loft scene. There is a very cool coffee table style book about this called, The Jazz Loft Project, by Sam Stephenson. Lots of photos, interviews, etc. It is also fascinating.
Ron is a beautiful guy, a great musician, and a wonderful storyteller. I think you will dig this great conversation, and his book.Coming up this Fall, KEYS TO JAZZ BOOTCAMP
If you have questions, you can reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com