Frankie Carle – 2016  (1903-2001)

The “Wizard of the Keyboard,” enjoyed an international career which spanned seven decades

Fcarlebrankie Carle, born Francis Carlone in Providence, Rhode Island in 1903, is one of the most successful artists in Rhode Island music history. As a composer, he wrote “Sunrise Serenade,” Glenn Miller’s million-selling hit in 1939; as a musician, he was the featured pianist for Horace Heidt’s popular band in the early 1940s; and as the conductor of his own big band, he became a star. From 1944 ’til the end of the decade, he totaled 23 chart records including two #1 hits in 1946, both of which featured his daughter, billed as Marjorie Hughes, as the vocalist.

When the big band era ended, “The Wizard of the Keyboard” turned out a slew of popular instrumental albums. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for recording in 1960 and was inducted into the Big Band & Jazz Hall of Fame in 1989.

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