Frankie smith - imdb
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Franklyn Leon "Frankie" Smith (born 1953, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American funk musician and R&B/soul songwriter. He is best known for his 1981 single "Double Dutch Bus".
History[edit source | editbeta][]
He went to college in Tennessee for elementary education with a minor in music. He became a writer for funk and soul artists such as the O'Jays and The Spinners. He has also been influential in the careers of the rappers Tone Lōc, Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg.
With his 1981 single "Double Dutch Bus", released by WMOT Records,[1] Smith popularized a nonsensical form of slang, (From his song "Slang thang", 1981 WMOT records.) in which "iz" is placed in the middle of a word (for example, the word "place" becomes "plizace") or the last letters of a word are replaced with "-izzle" (ex. sure becomes shizzle). The style became part of hip-hop slang, and was popularized by rappers Snoop Dogg and E-40. The style today holds a
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Frankie Smith Vinyl Records & Discography
Who is Frankie Smith? A Brief Career Overview
Meet Frankie Smith, the delightfully quirky luminary of funk and R&B, best known for his infectious hit "Double Dutch Bus." With a career that began in vibrant Philadelphia, this talented musician, songwriter, and producer has left an indelible mark on the music industry, while also celebrating the vibrant culture of vinyl records.
Smith's groundbreaking charm showcased a knack for blending playful lyrics with addictive rhythms. His pioneering work not only entertained audiences but also contributed to the evolution of funk and hip hop. The timeless quality of his music, especially the megahit "Double Dutch Bus," has seen vinyl collectors searching high and low for its nostalgic groove. Despite the challenges he faced, his legacy is rich with joy and innovation, captivating generations of music lovers who cherish both his songs and the vinyl that carries them.
Frankie Smith's Early Life and Background
Born on January 29, 1940, in Philadelphia, Franklyn Leon Smith was dest
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The R&B novelty records artist Frankie Smith was born Franklyn Leon Smith in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 29, 1953, to Mary Josephine Smith, who worked at the commissary of the Philadelphia Naval Hospital. He began playing the piano in 1961 at the age of 8 in 1961.
In 1972, Smith worked as a writer with Gamble and Huff at Philadelphia International Records and moved up to a producer. He collaborated with numerous musicians, including Archie Bell and the Drells and Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. However, he was furloughed because of the downsizing of the recording industry. This disappointing experience led him in 1974 to enroll in Tennessee State University in Nashville as an elementary education major. One year later, in 1975, Smith became the father of a daughter, Vashon “Indy” Smith.
In 1981, Smith released his first album, Children of Tomorrow which included the single “Double Dutch Bus” on the Philadelphia record label WMOT (We Men of Talent) Records. The song was partly inspired by his hometown transit system, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authori
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