Big band pianist and songwriter Frankie Carle passed away at age 98 in 2001 in Mesa, Arizona, where he had retired.
Frankie (Francesco Carlone) was born in Providence in 1903, and his unusual piano styling and orchestra concepts were perfect for dancing and jazz. Frankie began performing with the Mal Hallett Orchestra in 1934. He left the Hallett group and started his own orchestra in 1935. By 1939 he had joined the Horace Heidt & Musical Knights and their ongoing tours. In 1944 he once again started his own orchestra, this time featuring the singing voice of his daughter Marjorie Hughes. He disbanded his orchestra in 1955 and began performing as a soloist.
In 1989 he was inducted into the International Big Band & Jazz, Hall of Fame, and posthumously into Rhode Island’s Musical Hall of Fame. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk-Of-Fame.
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