Bob Frank

Bob Frank
Birth nameRobert Landis Frank
Born(1944-02-26)February 26, 1944
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
DiedJuly 18, 2019(2019-07-18) (aged 75)
Genresfolk
Occupation(s)musician, songwriter, composer, arranger
InstrumentSinger-songwriter
Years active1969–1973, 2001–2019
LabelsVanguard Records, Bowstring Records, Evangeline, Memphis International, Decor
Website[1]

Robert Landis Frank (February 26, 1944 – July 18, 2019)[1] 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 item[2] 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.[2] 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]

Critical reception

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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."[3] In Rolling Stone, Senior Editor David Fricke called Frank's debut "beautifully stark" and compared him to Warren Zevon.[4] 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.[5] His songs have been recorded by Jim Dickinson, Chris LeDoux, Gary McMahan, and others.[6]

Discography

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Albums

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  • 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

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  1. ^ "Cult Singer-Songwriter Bob Frank Dead at 75". Stereogum. July 20, 2019. Retrieved July 21, 2019.
  2. ^ a b Ruhlmann, William and McGregor, Don Bob Frank Biography, All Music Guide.
  3. ^ Official Bio Decor Records Bio Archived July 9, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, 2008.
  4. ^ Official web site "Fricke's Picks, Rolling Stone Archived July 23, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, 2008.
  5. ^ Official Web Site "Fricke's Picks, Rolling Stone Archived July 23, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.
  6. ^ Fink, Matt Free Beer Tomorrow Review, All Music Guide.
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