Frank D'Rone Obituary

A loose interpretation of “personification” is to bestow imaginary character traits on someone else. Not uncommon for a particular entertainer or actor to be personified by his or her fans; such admirers hope that the famed individual is as nice as they imagine. Often this is not the case; sometimes it is. There is really no reason why not. The first time I ever saw Frank D’Rone was on the Garry Moore television show in 1959 or 1960; I was 14 years old and already a stalwart advocate of swing, jazz, big band, and show music. Home from school one day, I was watching the program and was pleasantly surprised when Moore announced that Frank D’Rone was appearing. I had heard and liked his records on the radio, but I had never seen him, so I stayed glued to the TV set.

When it came time, Frank burst out from behind the curtain dressed in an open wide-collared shirt and a snazzy two-tone jacket. He was carrying a sunburst Gibson archtop guitar, which I found out later, had belonged to jazz guitarist Hank Garland. Frank took his place on a high stool and ripped into one of his faster songs — I forget which one, but I believe it was “The Lady is a Tramp.” During the song, a complex thought formed in my young mind, leading me to the conclusion that Frank, then about 27 or 28 years old, was the coolest guy I had ever seen. Not only was he a great singer, but he accompanied himself masterfully on the guitar and presented himself in a most professional way. He was not just a singer; he played an instrument; he was a musician; he had substance. He was most definitely cooler than Dean Martin or the “Chairman of the Board”, Frank Sinatra.

What made D’Rone so cool? Several things. One was his free-spirited but businesslike command of his music. Another was his obvious connection with his viewers and the studio audience. He engaged them in a gentle, no nonsense way. I knew that I wanted to meet him one day. My hope was that he would be as nice and as sharp as he appeared to be on TV. It took many years to fulfill my wish.
In the late 1990's, my wife, Sue, and I were doing contract technical writing for Allegiance Telecom, a new telephone company based in our hometown of Dallas, Texas. Management needed for us to go to Chicago to write some documentation for their suburban Westchester office. We were to stay there for a couple of weeks. Although I had lost track of Frank over the years, save for occasional cuts on the radio, I knew that he lived in Chicago. I became anxious, once again, to see him perform in person and possibly meet him during our assignment.
After learning the specific trip dates and locations, I checked out Frank's appearance schedule on the internet. As luck would have it, he was to appear at the Fond de la Tour Restaurant and Lounge in Oak Brook — only about a mile from our hotel. Because we arrived in the middle of the week, we had a few days of work ahead of us before Frank’s engagement. I could hardly wait.

When the evening of the performance came around, we made our way to the Fond de la Tour. The lounge provided a pleasing, intimate setting, with Frank’s voice and guitar accompanied only by gifted pianist, Lou Gregory. Having arrived during a set, we sat down, ordered, and settled in for a nice evening. After the set, we approached Frank, who was very personable and attentive. We introduced ourselves, and he took us to his table to meet his wife, Joan. She is the former Joan Brown, a singer herself whose father, John, was a staff pianist for station WLS for 35 years. Her mother was an accomplished pianist, as well. We talked only briefly, learning that Joan had been one of Frank’s fans and that they had known each other for about five years before they married.
That evening, it was charming to note that, in the infrequent times that Frank forgot a lyric, Joan prompted him from a distance right in the middle of a tune. After the performance, we managed to continue our conversation further into the evening. Frank told us that he never went to bed before 3:00 AM and seldom arose before 2:00 PM and that he did not mind sticking around to visit with us. They both were very affable and easy to get to know.
Because Sue wanted to pack our bags (she did not want my help in packing) after our last day of work in Westchester, she sent me on my way alone to the Fond de la Tour the next evening. Joan had stayed home also, so I was able to visit with Frank one-on-one for a while after his performance. There was no ego in his behavior, and he really did not enjoy talking about himself, although he would if you asked him. We said our goodbyes about 1:00 AM, and I returned to the hotel walking on air. I had “bonded” with one of my musical heroes and found him to be congenial, patient, and completely genuine — exactly as I had hoped he would be.

My all time life time favorite, I was lucky enough to see him three times though I lived in San Francisco and have never had the pleasure of visiting Chicago!

I am Howard Shoemaker's daughter, Marea. (Dad was a cartoonist with Playboy Magazine for 50 years). When I was small, I remember Frank at our home, putting me on his lap and singing "Maria" to me. Now I play Frank's music for my father often, which is still a favorite of his. My parents both loved Frank dearly, and we send our condolences.

Marea (Shoemaker) Campagna
Howard & Janice Shoemaker

I traveled with Frank for a year as his pianist-conductor. One of the brightest times of my career. The world will miss him and his talent.

Frank D'Rone was a Great Inspiration on my career. I'm a Pianist & Vocalist,Lou Anthony,from Boston,MA. In 1968 I spoke with Frank & his advice was to contact the NY agentcies. One of Frank's Greatest Albums, is " BRAND NEW MORNING " . It was released in April 1968,as a vinyl 33 1/3 record,on CHESS RECORDS. I would like to see this album re-released on a CD. My Condolences to the Family of Mr. FRANK D'RONE.

My condolences, thoughts and prayers,

Frank D'rone's recordings has helped me to get through some dark times. I was lucky enough to see him perform on two different occasions in San Francisco. I was glad to be a fan. I still have my LP of the Live in San Francisco.

george sember

Frank D'Rone was truly the most genuinely nice person I have met in my life. His kindness, warmth and love for his fellow man are legendary.He was a treasure to work for, and a true friend who will be so sorely missed. My condolences go out to all who loved him.He always had a cause to play a benefit for, a friend to be kind to, and he adored his wife and sons. A treasure has left this life.

My condolences. I feel very fortunate to have known Frank and to have heard him perform over several decades. He set a very high standard, and was a great influence on all of us in the entertainment business.

Dear Christopher and David, Our sincere condolences go to both of you at this trying time. Frank was a handsome man with a beautiful smile and an awesome voice. And his expertise in the kitchen was extraordinary. We are all praying for all of you and hope the memories give you both peace. Our condolences to Joan also. May God bless you all. Love from your Texas family - Mildred Ann and Larry, David and Sharon, Melinda, Jeff and all your cousins.Take care my sweet boys.

One of my favorite singers. He never received the accolades that he truly deserved. I listen to his music everyday. He will be greatly missed.

Gary Carabin

Been a fan of Frank since I saw him on Marti Fay's tv show years ago.Became friends and featured him on my jazz radios shows on wxfm and wnua. Great talent both as a vocalist and guitar virtuoso. He will be missed.

What a voice, what a smile, what a heart. God Bless Frank D'Rone and all his people.

During my other career Frank was a truly a pleasure to work with and know as a friend. In the very early days of our careers we help each other and his out pouring of friendship was never ending. My career lead to a different path other than music. Frank did stay the path and was admired by all who knew him and heard him perform. My thoughts are with the family and in some small way share their tremendous loss.

To the Family of Frank.
He was a very nice man and a wonderful musician. We have spent many hours enjoying his music thru the years. He

will be sorely missed. Our thought and prayers are with you at your time of loss.
Angelo and Gina Ruggiero

Great memories of over 55 years of friendship.

May he rest in peace

From one entertainer to another, I always admired Frank and his talent.

He will be missed.

JOHNNY Kay

Cape Coral,Florida

One of my late brother's prized possessions was a personalized Frank D'Rone autographed photo. He always spoke of Frank's talent and connection with his audience. BJT

Dearest Joan and Family. I don't have to tell you how much Sue and I loved Frank; he was like an uncle or brother to me, and his graciousness to Sue was so much appreciated. He was a gentleman and conducted himself that way at all times. I hope that Frank realized our true affection for him and our strong admiration of his talents. He was the best of the best, all wrapped up in a package of kindness and sincerity. I will never forget the time when you invited us to your home for dinner and Frank looked at me and said, "I'll bet that Mel Torme would not have cooked for you like I am doing!" We shared many laughs, and I got to play trumpet for him a little bit both in Seattle and in Winfield at the "Viking." God certainly has a special place for such a warm, wonderful, talented soul, and Sue and I look forward to the day when we can once again enjoy Frank's company. Naturally, our condolences go out to you; you have lost a true love, but he is never far away. May God's blessings go to you and ease your grief in this sad time. With all of our love; we will be in touch.

Joan and Family: Thank's for sharing Frank's talent with so many of us. His music was special and so meaningful to us since the 1950's. He'll always be with us through all his wonderful recordings. Bill & Pauline O'NEILL

The first time I met Frank was in 1060 at the Knickerbscher Hotel in Milwaukee. It was just him and his great voice and guitar. Many great memories of fun times with Frank. He ill be missed.

A true loss for all his followers since the 50"s music scene in Chicago. May he rest in piece.
Carole Arliskas

October 06, 2013
Your singing and your guitar playing will be greatly missed, but missed most of all will be your warmth! Thank you for all!
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His music was spectacular, but what will be missed the most will be his warmth!

Your singing and your guitar playing will be greatly missed, but missed most of all will be your warmth! Thank you for all!