Frankie Crocker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frankie "Hollywood" Crocker
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Portrait in 1975 advertisement
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| Born | December 18, 1937 Buffalo, New York, U.S.
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| Died | October 21, 2000 (aged 62) |
| Occupation | Disc Jockey |
| Years active | 1963–2000 |
Frankie "Hollywood" Crocker (December 18, 1937 – October 21, 2000) was a famous American disc jockey. He played a huge role in making WBLS a top radio station in New York. WBLS was known for playing black music.
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Starting in Radio
Frankie Crocker began his radio career in Buffalo, New York. He worked at a popular soul music station called WUFO. Later, he moved to Manhattan, New York City. There, he worked at other stations like WWRL and WMCA.
In 1969, Frankie joined WBLS radio. He became the station's program director. This meant he decided what music and shows would be on air. Under his leadership, WBLS became very popular. It was one of the top radio stations in the late 1970s. He helped create a new radio style called "urban contemporary". This style mixed different types of music. Frankie sometimes called himself the "Chief Rocker". He was known for his exciting on-air personality. He was also famous for his flashy style outside the studio.
Frankie's Unique Style
Frankie Crocker was known for his bold and fun personality. Once, he rode a white horse into the famous Studio 54 nightclub. This happened when the club was very popular.
At the end of his radio show each night, Frankie had a special routine. He would light a candle in the studio. Then, he would invite his female listeners to imagine taking a candlelight bath with him. He always ended his show with the song "Moody's Mood For Love" by King Pleasure.
Frankie Crocker was from Buffalo, New York. He came up with the term "urban contemporary" in the 1970s. This term described the mix of songs he played. He loved to play many different kinds of music. He once said he would play "nothing I won't play if I hear it and like it."
Frankie was very good at getting attention. Hal Jackson, who owned WBLS, even called him "Hollywood." By 1979, Frankie was working on both the East and West Coasts. He helped choose music for KUTE in Los Angeles. He also continued his work at WBLS. He called WBLS "Disco and More."
Frankie Crocker helped many artists become famous. WBLS-FM was one of the first stations to play music from Blondie and Madonna. He also helped make "Love is the Message" by MFSB a popular song in New York City. "Ain't No Stoppin Us Now" by McFadden and Whitehead became a favorite for parties and celebrations. He even introduced America to Reggae music and a singer named Bob Marley.
TV and Film Appearances
Frankie Crocker was also a master of ceremonies at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. He was one of the first VJs (video jockeys) on VH1. This was a cable music video channel. He also hosted TV shows like Solid Gold and Friday Night Videos on NBC.
As an actor, Frankie Crocker appeared in five movies. These included Cleopatra Jones (1973) and Five on the Black Hand Side (1973). He helped introduce many new artists to a wider audience. For example, he brought Manu Dibango's "Soul Makossa" to American listeners.
Frankie Crocker was honored for his work in radio. He was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2000. He also joined the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2005.
Later Life and Passing
In October 2000, Frankie Crocker became ill. He went to a hospital in Miami. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He kept his illness a secret from many of his friends and even his mother. Frankie Crocker passed away on October 21, 2000.
His friend and former boss, Bob Law, spoke about Frankie. He said Frankie understood and loved urban culture. He brought that feeling to radio. Bob Law felt that this special touch was missing from radio after Frankie was gone.
See also
- Imhotep Gary Byrd
- Contemporary R&B
- Vaughn Harper
- Hal Jackson
- Melvin Lindsey
- Tommy Smalls
- WEPN-FM – Market rival
