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Frankie Laine

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Frankie Laine, born Francesco Paolo LoVecchio, was an American singer and songwriter. He was born on 30 March 1913 in Chicago, to a family that had emigrated from Monreale in Sicily. As a boy he sang in his school choir, and he decided to become a singer after seeing Al Jolson in The Singing Fool. His career spanned almost seventy-five years: from his first performances in 1930 with a dance marathon company to his last performance of That's My Desire in 2005. He died on 6 February 2007.

Music and breakthrough

Laine was billed as America's Number One Song Stylist and had nicknames such as Mr. Rhythm and Old Leather Lungs. His hits included That's My Desire, That Lucky Old Sun, Mule Train, Jezebel, High Noon, I Believe, Cool Water and Rawhide. He sang the title songs of westerns such as 3:10 to Yuma, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and Blazing Saddles. High Noon was sung in the film by Tex Ritter, but Laine's own version, with slightly altered lyrics, became a bigger hit. He did not sing the theme of Champion the Wonder Horse in the series either, but his own recording became better known.

Influence

Laine sang in a wide range of styles, from big band crooning to pop, gospel, rock, folk, jazz and blues. He belonged to the great singers of the pre-rock 'n' roll era and showed that a voice with power and breath control could take on an entire orchestra. His lasting popularity was shown in 2011, when a compilation of his hits reached number 16 on the British album chart.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Rawhide and notice the power and breath control of his voice. Observe how the singing sounds almost like a command, fitting the western theme.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Categories: Artists