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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZCARLE, Frankie(b Francis Nunzio Carlone, 25 March '03, Providence RI; d 29 March 2001, Mesa AZ) Pianist, bandleader, composer. He clung to the melody line without alienating jazz-oriented fans. His bands were an extension of his piano style, with integrity and lack of pretension. He was taught piano by his uncle, Nicholas Colangelo; he played in vaudeville and with dance bands as teenager; formed his own band but gained fame with Horace Heidt '39-43, becoming co-leader. With his own band again he opened Feb. '44 Cafe Rouge NYC, arrangements by Al Avola (guitarist, b 27 Jan. '14, also with Artie Shaw, T. Dorsey, others); his theme was his own very nice 'Sunrise Serenade', already a big hit by Glenn Miller '38. His band singers included Betty Bonney (ex-Les Brown, later called Judy Johnson), Phyllis Lynne; then Marjorie Hughes, Carle's daughter, hired after auditioning many others: he changed her name and kept the relationship secret for a while. Hits included 'Saturday Night Is The Loneliest Night Of The Week', 'A Little On The Lonely Side' (both '45); then two no. ones: 'Oh! What It Seemed To Be' (his own tune, Marjorie's vocal; pundit Walter Winchell broke the story of justified nepotism), 'Rumours Are Flying' (both '46). Also wrote 'Falling Leaves', 'Lover's Lullaby', others. Many broadcasts, film My Dream Is Yours '49; from '50s sometimes led small combo, continued recording; toured in big-band revival shows into mid-'70s. |