Joseph Frank (promoter)
J.L. Frank | |
|---|---|
| Born | Joseph Lee Frank April 15, 1900 Mount Rozell, Alabama, US |
| Died | May 4, 1952 (aged 52) Dallas, Texas, US |
| Nationality | American |
| Years active | 1923–1952 |
| Known for | Early country music promoter |
| Spouse | Maria (1925–1952, his death) |
| Children | Gus,Marie,Lydia,Henrietta,Louis |
| Awards | Country Music Hall of Fame, 1967 Alabama Music Hall of Fame, 1989 |
Joseph Lee (J.L.) Frank (April 15, 1900 - May 4, 1952) was an American music promoter known for his promotion of country music artists during the second quarter of the 20th century. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in 1967.
Early life
Frank was born in Mount Rozell, Alabama in
Start of promotional career
At 23, Frank moved to
Move to Nashville and country promoter
While promoting King on a tour in
Frank would also lend a helping hand to many young musicians both in business and personal matters.[4] This would even include and feeding budding country music stars at the Frank's house, which was also helped by his interest in vegetable gardening.[1] Opry veteran Alton Delmore of The Delmore Brothers described Frank as "a clean-cut, neat fellow, with a little mustache, and a big Texas hat ... He always had his heart in his work, and he always had a good word for the down-and-out musician ... He was an excellent promoter and he knew just what he wanted and he always got it."[4]
Songwriting activities
Frank also wrote the songs "Chapel on the Hill", "Sundown and Sorrow" (cowrote with King. Recorded by Hank Williams), and "My Main Trail is Yet to Come" (also with King and also recorded by Williams).[2][8]
Death
Frank was on a business trip in Dallas when he became ill and died there in 1952 from a strep infection.[1]
Legacy
Frank would be inducted posthumously into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1967.[4] Joining Frank that same year in the Country Music Hall of Fame were Red Foley, Jim Reeves, and Stephen H. Sholes.[9][10][11]
In 1989, Frank was posthumously inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.[2]
References
- ^ ISBN 0399518908. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f Alabama Music Hall of Fame profile of Joe L. Frank. - accessed August 9, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Rumble, John (1998). "J.L. Frank". In The Encyclopedia of Country Music. Paul Kingsbury, Editor. New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 181-2.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Country Music Hall of Fame profile of Joseph "J.L." Frank. - accessed August 9, 2020
- ISBN 9780195177466. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
- ISBN 9780786430611. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
- ^ a b Rumble, John (1998). "Package Shows". In The Encyclopedia of Country Music. Paul Kingsbury, Editor. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 403.
- ^ AllMusic.com profile of The Complete Hank Williams (1998). - accessed August 9, 2020
- ^ Country Music Hall of Fame profile of Red Foley. - accessed August 9, 2020.
- ^ Country Music Hall of Fame profile of Jim Reeves. - accessed August 9, 2020.
- ^ Country Music Hall of Fame profile of Stephen H. Sholes (listed as Stephen Sholes). - accessed August 9, 2020.