Jazz Insights: Frank D’Rone

During 1932, the gifted international musician Frank D’Rone was born.
He grew up in Providence, where at five years old he began singing and learning to play guitar. By age eleven he had his own radio show.

While playing regularly in Rhode Island at all kinds of professional venues, he decided to try his luck in New York City. He was offered some gigs in Chicago, where he met singer and pianist, Nat “King” Cole who helped him record at Mercury Records.

Soon, he began preforming with the likes of spectacular pianists Oscar Peterson and Stan Kenton. He recorded with many of these greats, and others, on records and CDs. Frank became internationally known, by this time.

During the ’60s and ’70s, he performed regularly on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. Later, he worked with the renowned composer and performer, Bill May. Frank leaves as a legacy, his appearance and performance at The Chicago Jazz Festivals. He passed away in October of 2013.