Frankie Karl

Frankie (b. June, 25th 1945, d. July, 30th 2008) was originally from LA where he sang in gospel choirs with the likes of Gloria Jones & Billy Preston. He joined the US airforce & it was in that period that he helped form the Chevrons. It is believed that the F.K. & Chevrons tracks were cut in Philly under the direction of David Chackler who went on to be a big promotions guy for Mercury / Smash Records (he was credited with breaking Jay & the Techniques "Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie"). After he left the airforce, Frankie returned to LA and there hooked up with Gene Dozier Gene cut him in LA on a song titled "Don't Be Afraid" but then Gene relocated to DC. He released the track on a DC 45 & it hit big -- the 45 being picked up for national distribution by Bell. Gene had failed to sign Frankie to a contract & so with a hit on his hands, he signed with the label that offered him the most money (Liberty) and never had another hit !!.