Frank Adams

When Frank Adorno, better known under his nom de plume, "Frankie Adams," set out to launch his career in the music industry in the early-mid '40s, he adopted the pen name "Frankie Adams," as his surname was widely considered to denote a specific ethnicity, in this case being Italian, which faced potential discrimination at that time. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Frank Adorno quickly realized where (at that time) all the great music was coming from. On a cold winter evening in Center City Philadelphia in late 1954, Frank Adorno locked the doors to his office on Chestnut Street for the last time. Frank and his wife, Delores, packed their bags, and kissed their six grown children goodbye (Rose, Nick, Phyllis, Delores, Kay, and Franny), and headed Down South to New Orleans, Louisiana. On January 21, 1955, Frank Adorno rebranded and registered his record label, renaming it to Sapphire Record Company (Sapphire). It was also at that time that he met fellow musician and lyricist, Lou Welsch. The two soon became partners. Shortly thereafter, they were introduced to another musician, by the name of Ken Elliot (2), and the three collaborated and co-wrote the famous hit song, “Mardi Gras Mambo,” a tune that has no doubt withstood the test of time. The track is widely referred to by New Orleans natives as the "anthem" of New Orleans Mardi Gras and is arguably one of the most popular songs played during the New Orleans annual Mardi Gras celebration. Frank Adorno, AKA "Frankie Adams," is also affectionately remembered by his family, as well as dozens of emerging young fans, for his Christmas song, “I’m Gonna Lasso Santa Claus,” famously performed by Brenda Lee. Sadly enough, it wasn't long after his songs began attracting attention, that doctors discovered he had rectal cancer. He died on October 23, 1956. After his death, his eldest daughter, Rose (Adorno) Logan, became responsible for the safekeeping of all of Frank's original music sheets, hand-written notes, collaborative works, lyrics, and what remained of his professional letterhead used when he worked on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. Before passing, Rose entrusted her oldest niece, Frances (Squillace) Urso, with one of their family's most precious heirlooms. Frances and her Grandfather, Frank Adorno, shared their talent and love for music. Frances has also since become the family matriarch. Therefore, it made perfect sense that she should inherit one of their family's best-kept treasures. Frank Adorno not only co-founded a record-producing company. He also co-founded what his descendants now proudly refer to their family as....an "Empire." This holiday season, five generations will celebrate the legacy of Frank Adorno, AKA “Frankie Adams.” Therefore, in the eyes of posterity, it is of seeming importance that the true history, and identity of Frank Adorno, AKA "Frankie Adams," is acknowledged as well as documented so as never to become "Well Nigh Forgotten." Not to be confused with Frank R. Adams.