Frank Dell (Franklin Delano Murphy) aka Big Frank Murphy had a huge Northern Soul record (He Broke Your Game Wide Open) played back in the day and later in the 80s another was discovered by Big Frank & The Essences - I Won't Let Her See Me Cry. He formed Valise records with Phil Medley and continued recording through 80s and 90s releasing 4 albums, his first one 'Yesterday's People' on the notorious 'tax scam' Guinness label. Up until his death in July 2015 aged 75, he was still active in New York and performed in UK at 6Ts Cleethorpes soul weekender in 2008.
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| @ Cleethorpes 2008 |
After graduating from university in South Carolina in 1963 he moved to New York and worked as a youth counsellor. In the late 70s he became a narcotics parole officer until he retired in 1996. So it would appear that his work in the music industry was not full-time.
Some more Info on Frank Dell here
Big Frank & The Essences [1965] - I Won't Let Her See Me Cry [Blue Rock B-4012]
A big Top Of The World, Stafford spin for the 60's mafia (i.e. Keb Darge & Guy Hennigan). It was also released on Philips 40283. Frank's older brother, Warren, was also in the group.
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| Soul Mafia - Guy Hennigan & Keb Darge (with hair!) 80s |
Big Frank & The Essences [1965] - The Secret [Blue Rock B-4012]
Northern Soul
Here's a clip of Frank Dell (Big Frank) singing I Won't Let Her Cry at 6TsCleethorpes Soul weekender in 2008.
Big Frank Murphy [1966] - It's All Over But The Pain [Philips 40362]
Northern Soul
Big Frank Murphy [1966] - You My Love [Philips 40362]
Northern Soul - a bit poppy al la Tom Jones.
Poor quality sound clip but only one available and no label scan available.
Frank Dell [1967] - He Broke Your Game Wide Open [Valise 6900]
Northern Soul 'classic'
Frank Dell [1977] - He Broke Your Game Wide Open [Guiness GNS 36001]
This is the album version from Yesterday's People on Guinness from 1977, regarded by many as a better version.
Frank Dell [1967] - I'll Go On Loving You [Valise 6900]
Very poor sound quality but only clip available.
Deep soul ballad
Frank Dell [1967] - Baby You've Got It [Valise 6902]
Northern Soul
Frank Dell [1967] - Need [Valise 6902]
The only sound file availabe but this copy is pressed off-centre so a bit 'warbly' and off-key.
Frank Dell [1977] - Nobody Loves Me Like You Baby [Guiness GNS 46001]
A track from the Guinness album Yesterday's People from 1977.
Frank Dell [1985] - Two Faces Of Frank Dell [Valise FD 430]
Tell Me Love
A good cover of Michael Wycoff's - Tell Me Love from the Two Faces Of Frank Dell album from 1985.
Michael Wycoff's [1983] - Tell Me Love [RCA Victor PD-13586]
The original Modern Soul classic from 1983 (for comparison).
Taxi
Cover of J. Blackfoot's (The Soul Chlldren) 1983 hit Taxi.
J. Blackfoot [1983] - Taxi [Sound Town ST-0004]
The original version from 1983.
The remaining album tracks:
Can't Get Enough - 80s boogie
New York Connetion Blues - not available
Pledging My Love - cover of the Johnny Ace track which is an odd choice for a 1985 album!
I Stand Accused - cover of the Jerry Butler 1964 song wco-written with brother Billy Butler.
Frank Dell [1989] - Daily Loving [Valise FD 432]
Give It Up
80s modern soul / boogie
Also released as a 12" (Valise FD 433) with Sweet Love Songs on flip.
Sweet Love Songs
Also released as a 12" (Valise FD 433) with Give It Up on flip.
Cocaine
Daily Loving
Title track and killer cut from album.
Reminds me of Gregg Jackson's One For The Road!
Sugar Creek
Poor Relations - not available
Frank Dell [1989] - Welcome Home [Valise FD-431] LP Version
Originally recorded by the late great Waler Jackson in 1965 on Okeh. Written by Chip Taylor aka James Wesley Voight brother of actor Jon Voight and uncle to Angel Jolle.
Walter Jackson [1965] - Welcome Home [Okeh 4-7219]
The original version form 1965 by Walter Jackson who also re-recorded it for his 1976 album Feeling Good.
Walter Jackson [1976] - Welcome Home [Chi-Sound CH-LA656G]
Re-recorded 1976 version
Frank Dell [1989] - I'll Be Ready [Valise FD-431]
80s boogie/jazz/funk
Frank Dell [198?] - Too Late To Turn Back Now [Valise Unreleased]
I don't think this was ever released as can't find any reference to it and if you look carefully at label scan it's been mocked up as text is darker in places. I believe that the sound file was originaly posted on FrankDell.com by Frank himself which no longer exists.
Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose [1972] - Too Late To Turn Back Now [United Artists 50910]
The orginal version.
Frank Dell [198?] - What More Can I Do [Valise MF 10069]
Don't know when this was released but as it's a 12" I'd guess mid 80s? Neither side was on either of his 80s albums from 1985 or 1989 so I woul perhaps place it in between say 86/87?
Frank Dell [1999] - Everything You Got [Gothel GCRS9902]
He released a cassette album in 1999 with several previousy released tracks (Give It Up, He Broke Your Game Wide Open, Daily Lovin'), but as I've not been able to find the album I'm not sure whether the previous tracks are re-recordings or the originals.
Frank Dell [199?] - The Best Of Frank Dell Feat I Stand Acused [Valise FD 432]
A compilation CD with the same cat. no. as Daily Loving featuring tracks all previously released.
