Fried was born in San Francisco, California, then moved with his family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he commenced violin studies.
The larger group retained the Dallas Symphony name, and, beginning late in 1911, Venth became the music director, with Fried serving as concertmaster.
In 1915, Fried was appointed as the head of the violin department at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, a position he would hold until his death.
In 1924, Fried decreed a sabbatical year for the entire organization, which he felt would benefit from both artistic and administrative reorganization.
Fried was preparing to resume performances with the Dallas Symphony in 1925 when he became seriously ill during a camping trip in Colorado.