Biography

Was inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame in 2010.

One of seven children.

Jazz drummer for Chet Baker, Charlie Parker, Jimmy Heath, Al Cohn, Ted Curson, Sonny Stitt, Tadd Dameron, Dexter Gordon, Phil Moore, Miles Davis, Bud Powell and Billie Holiday.

Took up the drums in 1939 after hearing jazz musicians such as drummer Gene Krupa and saxophone player Charlie Parker on the radio, learning to play solely by ear.

According to drummer Stan Levey, Frank first arrived on the New York bebop scene in 1948.