Bob Frank
{{Short description|American singer-songwriter (1944–2019)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Bob Frank
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| birth_name = Robert Landis Frank
| birth_date = {{birth date|1944|02|26}}
| birth_place = Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|2019|07|18|1944|02|26}}
| instrument = Singer-songwriter
| genre = folk
| occupation = musician, songwriter, composer, arranger
| years_active = 1969–1973, 2001–2019
| label = Vanguard Records, Bowstring Records, Evangeline, Memphis International, Decor
| associated_acts =
| website = [http://www.bobfranksongs.com]
| current_members =
| past_members =
}}
Robert Landis Frank (February 26, 1944 – July 18, 2019){{cite web |title=Cult Singer-Songwriter Bob Frank Dead at 75 |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2051909/cult-singersongwriter-bob-frank-passed-away/obit/ |website=Stereogum |accessdate=July 21, 2019 |date=July 20, 2019}} was an American musician, singer-songwriter and composer. His debut self-titled record was issued on Vanguard Records in 1972 to critical acclaim and is a collectors itemRuhlmann, William and McGregor, Don [{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=bob-frank-p30274/biography|pure_url=yes}} Bob Frank Biography], All Music Guide. that was reissued on Light in the Attic in 2014. He co-wrote, recorded and toured with Mississippi/Memphis singer-songwriter John Murry, shared a stage with Gus Cannon, Jimmy Driftwood, Lightning Hopkins, Tim Buckley and Townes Van Zandt, and was a paid songwriter for Tree Publishing. He lived in El Sobrante, California.
Frank's 20th century version of the late Middle English classic, "A Lytell Geste of Robyn Hode" (Child Ballad #117), released on Bowstring Records in 2001, received rave reviews from English professors, music critics, historians, actors, college professors, school teachers and Oxford dons. {{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}
Critical reception
Though not widely known, Frank's songs have earned wide critical acclaim. Jim Dickinson, a producer for Big Star and a Memphis music legend, called Frank "the greatest songwriter you never heard."Official Bio [http://www.decorrecords.com/artists/bfjm.html Decor Records Bio] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709005346/http://www.decorrecords.com/artists/bfjm.html |date=July 9, 2011 }}, 2008. In Rolling Stone, Senior Editor David Fricke called Frank's debut "beautifully stark" and compared him to Warren Zevon.Official web site [http://www.bobfrankandjohnmurry.net/clippings.cfm "Fricke's Picks, Rolling Stone] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723030420/http://www.bobfrankandjohnmurry.net/clippings.cfm |date=July 23, 2011 }}, 2008. Frank's collaboration with singer-songwriter John Murry on 2006 LP World Without End was praised in the Village Voice, Uncut, Rolling Stone, The Irish Times and The Independent UK.Official Web Site [http://www.bobfrankandjohnmurry.net/clippings.cfm "Fricke's Picks, Rolling Stone] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723030420/http://www.bobfrankandjohnmurry.net/clippings.cfm |date=July 23, 2011 }}. His songs have been recorded by Jim Dickinson, Chris LeDoux, Gary McMahan, and others.Fink, Matt [{{AllMusic|class=album|id=free-beer-tomorrow-r610247|pure_url=yes}} Free Beer Tomorrow Review], All Music Guide.
Discography
=Albums=
- Bob Frank (Vanguard Records, 1972)
- A Little Gest of Robin Hood (Bowstring Records, 2001)
- Keep On Burning (Bowstring Records, 2002)
- Pledge of Allegiance (Bowstring Records, 2004)
- Ride the Restless Wind (Bowstring Records, 2005)
- World Without End (Bowstring Records, 2006; Evangeline – US, Decor – UK, 2007)
- The Gunplay EP (Evangeline – US, Decor – UK, 2007)
- Red Neck, Blue Collar (Memphis International, 2008)
- Brinkley, Arkansas, and Other Assorted Love Songs (Evangeline, 2009)
- The Scenic Route (Bowstring Records, 2010)
- Twilight in Tolleson (Nomad Records of Tolleson, AZ, 2016)
- By the Light of the Lamp (Nomad Records of Tolleson, AZ, 2017)
- Squeeze It Easy (Nomad Records of Tolleson, AZ, 2017)
- Dancing in Dallas (Nomad Records of Tolleson, AZ, 2018)
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://bobfranksongs.com/ Bob Frank's Official Site ]
- [{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=bob-frank-p30274|pure_url=yes}} Bob Frank at Allmusic]
- {{Discogs artist|Bob Frank}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Frank, Bob}}
Category:American male singer-songwriters
Category:Country blues singers
Category:American alternative country singers
Category:American folk singers
Category:Singers from Memphis, Tennessee
Category:American country singer-songwriters
Category:People from El Sobrante, Contra Costa County, California
Category:Country musicians from Tennessee