Frankie Manning

Hey kids,
Tombie here...
Today swing dance legend and innovator Frankie Manning passed away. Frankie was one of the first lindy-hoppers, and is credited with performing the first aerial. Frankie's biography Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Lindy Hop was released in 2007.
Frankie was a featured dancer in Whitey's lindy hoppers, and played a role as one of their chief choreographers. One of the most well known swing dance clips ever is found in the movie Hellzapoppin. This is a must see clip for anyone who plans on attending any swing dance more than one time...hell it is a must see clip for everyone. Frankie also had the priviledge of performing with many of the jazz greats, including Duke Ellington, Ethel Waters, Cab Calloway, Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald. If you would like a more complete bio, click on the title of this blog...
Personally, I have listened to, and will listen to Shiny Stockings a few times in tribute to Frankie. He once told me it is his favorite song. It was always amazing to go to Frankie's workshops or listen to him speak. He was going to be 95 in May and he was still going! Dancers from around the world are filming their version of the Shim Sham ( a swing line dance) for his birthday, as well as the worldwide birthday bash that was being planned. Dancers aren't going to stop dancing because he has passed. Tonight, and every other night, dancers are going to "swing out" for Frankie!