It is with great regret that we inform you that legendary lindy hopper and inspiration to tens of thousands of dancers around the world Mr. Frankie Manning passed away peacefully early this morning. Donations in lieu of flowers should be made to "Frankie Manning Fund" in his honor: Frankie…
Originally posted Monday, April 27, 2009 (3 years ago)
I think that I wanted to dance from the moment I could stand up. (my dad has super-8 to prove it). They never sent me for dance classes. When I saw people swing dancing in tv and movies as a child, I wanted to learn how. I used to try to dance lindy with my sister at family events (now I know how ridiculously bad I was then).
Without Frankie, I never would have gotten so close to my bliss.
Without Frankie, I never would have had the motivation to conquer (even temporarily) my fear of performing. I performed for Frankie's 88th birthday. I performed with Frankie in 2004 at Irving Plaza.
In 2002, Brian and I went to Lucy's where Frankie and his friends were 'hanging out' and dancing on Frankie's birthday weekend. The tile floor was SOOO sticky from spilled drinks and my feet could barely move on it, so I changed into my street shoes, planning to just watch. Then Frankie asked me to dance. Oy...you just don't say 'No thanks' when Frankie asks. I danced. Frankie, 88 at the time, actually outlasted me! He had to call in a replacement to finish the song with him for me! But it was my only social dance with Frankie and I thank him for asking little old me.
Frankie's energy and good spirits have been an inspiration for thousands. I wish more people could have known him and gotten that.
Originally posted Monday, April 27, 2009 (3 years ago)
Nothing like bursting into tears in a public place when someone calls to tell you the news....the dreaded news that you hoped you wouldn't hear.
And as much as I've been crying all over my keyboard as I read these messages, I am reminded how much of an inspiration he was to so many, including me. I wonder what my life would be like if Frankie hadn't come out of retirement. Swing wouldn't have taken off as much as it did, and I never would have found it. I remember feeling like I'd found a reason to live when I learned how to lindy, and I have always thanked Frankie for that. Dancing has brought me some of the greatest joy I have every known. I can't imagine a life without dance.
As sad as I am that he is gone, especially before such a big celebration, I am happy for the many joyful reunions that I believe are taking place at that big dance hall in the sky! What a party!! Can you imagine? All the folks who have gone before Frankie, all the good friends, the family members, the fellow dancers, the musicians, it's mind boggling! I see in my mind the HUGEST party possible going on upstairs! And swing is everywhere!!
The biggest tribute we can give Frankie is to keep the dance alive. At festivals or outdoor events here in Florida, when older folks see us dance, they come up to us teary eyed. They thank us for carrying on the dance that they thought was going to die when they died. For Frankie and all the rest, it will live on, because we'll keep it alive.
Frankie, we will miss you, but you did great stuff when you were here!
Originally posted Monday, April 27, 2009 (3 years ago)
i think may 26th should be declared frankie manning day, even if unofficially. and every swing dancer should get their butt out and dance on that day (and others, but you get the idea :))
Originally posted Monday, April 27, 2009 (3 years ago)
Yehoodi made me cry this morning. What a loss and a link the the 1930s. Frankie thanks for everything = you were the most important dancer of my lifetime.
Originally posted Monday, April 27, 2009 (3 years ago)
I just spoke with my mum in England ... apparently Simon Selmon and his group were on Channel 4 tonight with Paul O'Grady doing the Shim Sham, and they dedicated it to the memory of Frankie. My mum doesn't know swing dancing, but remembered all the stories I told about Frankie, and remembered his name ...
"Change your thoughts, and you change your world" - Norman Vincent Peale.
Originally posted Monday, April 27, 2009 (3 years ago)
You ever know a guy that when you saw him, you were already looking forward to seeing him again... and there he was right in front of you? Through all the years, that never stopped. I'll make you proud, sir.
DDD
Originally posted Monday, April 27, 2009 (3 years ago)
Quoted from "Breviated"
Quoted from "Capt Morgan" Courtesy of jackyohhhh over at Swingorama.com
T-shirts? Proceeds to the Lindy Hopper's Fund or some other such organization?
Just an idea.
She's already on it:
Quoted from "jackyohhhh" For every t-shirt that is purchased I will make a donation to the Frankie Manning Fund.
Woman's Tee:
http://www.zazzle.com/frankie_manning_tribute_tee_tshirt-235626416198288017
Men's Tee:
http://www.zazzle.com/frankie_manning_tribute_tee_tshirt-235989571674225070
Originally posted Monday, April 27, 2009 (3 years ago)
I haven't danced in quite a long time, not regularly, but thinking about Frankie today and the absolute and utter joy he found in dancing and teaching and just telling his stories makes me want to get out onto the floor again. I will never forget the times he was my teacher, my few dances with him, or when I was introduced to him. He told me I was a "very sassy dancer" with the biggest grin on his face, the kind that made it clear he was paying me a compliment. I have never been so flattered.
It makes me happy to know that he has been surrounded by love from all of us around the world over the years and that his contributions to the world of dance will be remembered and passed on to future generations of dancers. I know he is dancing right now, and I hope to be dancing in his honor tonight and later this week. You shaped all our lives with an 8-count, Frankie.
Originally posted Monday, April 27, 2009 (3 years ago)
Quoted from "jackyohhhh" For every t-shirt that is purchased I will make a donation to the Frankie Manning Fund.
Woman's Tee:
http://www.zazzle.com/frankie_manning_tribute_tee_tshirt-235626416198288017
Men's Tee:
http://www.zazzle.com/frankie_manning_tribute_tee_tshirt-235989571674225070
Here is a shortened permanent link for everyone to share - http://tinyurl.com/frankie-t
Originally posted Monday, April 27, 2009 (3 years ago)
From the Washington Post, "Lindy Hop pioneer Frankie Manning dies at 94 in New York. See Wash Post for full obit tomorrow and Post Mortem blog for video."
Originally posted Monday, April 27, 2009 (3 years ago)
I was heartbroken to get the call this morning to hear that Frankie had passed away. Like so many others I feel honored to have known, learned, performed, and taught with him. He was a true inspiration and I will always hear that wonderful laugh as he counted a-one, a-two, a you know what to do!
Originally posted Monday, April 27, 2009 (3 years ago)
Now when others say the same to me, I say "are you kidding? you don't know the king of swing? my mentor? my friend? the man I danced with for his 93rd birthday jam in the Caribean?" I cried. I felt others cry. It is a Sad Sad Day. To all my dear friends that love Frankie as much as I did & do - I am sorry for our loss. Long Live the Lindy Love of Frankie Manning.
Wendy Wenck Craighill
www.Lindy101.com (Willliamsburg, Virginia Beach, VA) :jazzman:
Originally posted Monday, April 27, 2009 (3 years ago)
I feel so fortunate to have searched for Lindy Hop on youtube back in August. Ever since, the dance has consumed the bulk of my free time. It's had a profound effect on me in this short period of time, and I'm eternally grateful for everything Frankie Manning did to revive it.
Originally posted Monday, April 27, 2009 (3 years ago)
amazing, so much love and so many memories. How wonderful to have an artist that was actually appreciated DURING his lifetime and in such a powerful way.
There's a saying about how one's lifespan is usually summed up as a dash on their tombstone... happily this man's dash will be remembered as so much more.
Swing 46, I'm there
I know many knew him much better than myself, and I know for me the best way to let a legacy live on is through their story. So please keep sharing it's good for the heart
Originally posted Monday, April 27, 2009 (3 years ago)
In my 11 years of dancing, I had the privilege of meeting Frankie several times, learning from him, and laughing along with him as he told his stories. When I told him I work with college kids, he encouraged me to do whatever I could to spread the joy of lindy to them.
Even though I don't think I ever got to dance with him, the dance he pioneered and inspired is in me and always will be. In that sense I have danced with him; we all have. I will be truly fortunate if I get to live as long and full a life as Frankie, with his energy and vitality.
RIP, Frankie. Thank you for teaching us a language that, like love, communicates and brings joy across cultures.
(...Not to mention the fact that I met my fiance through swing!) :-)
Listen 24 hours a day! Weekly updated shows
Frankie Manning: May 26, 1914 - April 27, 2009
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I think that I wanted to dance from the moment I could stand up. (my dad has super-8 to prove it). They never sent me for dance classes. When I saw people swing dancing in tv and movies as a child, I wanted to learn how. I used to try to dance lindy with my sister at family events (now I know how ridiculously bad I was then).
Without Frankie, I never would have gotten so close to my bliss.
Without Frankie, I never would have had the motivation to conquer (even temporarily) my fear of performing. I performed for Frankie's 88th birthday. I performed with Frankie in 2004 at Irving Plaza.
In 2002, Brian and I went to Lucy's where Frankie and his friends were 'hanging out' and dancing on Frankie's birthday weekend. The tile floor was SOOO sticky from spilled drinks and my feet could barely move on it, so I changed into my street shoes, planning to just watch. Then Frankie asked me to dance. Oy...you just don't say 'No thanks' when Frankie asks. I danced. Frankie, 88 at the time, actually outlasted me! He had to call in a replacement to finish the song with him for me! But it was my only social dance with Frankie and I thank him for asking little old me.
Frankie's energy and good spirits have been an inspiration for thousands. I wish more people could have known him and gotten that.
Nothing like bursting into tears in a public place when someone calls to tell you the news....the dreaded news that you hoped you wouldn't hear.
And as much as I've been crying all over my keyboard as I read these messages, I am reminded how much of an inspiration he was to so many, including me. I wonder what my life would be like if Frankie hadn't come out of retirement. Swing wouldn't have taken off as much as it did, and I never would have found it. I remember feeling like I'd found a reason to live when I learned how to lindy, and I have always thanked Frankie for that. Dancing has brought me some of the greatest joy I have every known. I can't imagine a life without dance.
As sad as I am that he is gone, especially before such a big celebration, I am happy for the many joyful reunions that I believe are taking place at that big dance hall in the sky! What a party!! Can you imagine? All the folks who have gone before Frankie, all the good friends, the family members, the fellow dancers, the musicians, it's mind boggling! I see in my mind the HUGEST party possible going on upstairs! And swing is everywhere!!
The biggest tribute we can give Frankie is to keep the dance alive. At festivals or outdoor events here in Florida, when older folks see us dance, they come up to us teary eyed. They thank us for carrying on the dance that they thought was going to die when they died. For Frankie and all the rest, it will live on, because we'll keep it alive.
Frankie, we will miss you, but you did great stuff when you were here!
--Jeri
RIP Frankie. Thank you for giving me the dance that I love and for bringing joy, awe, and inspiration to so many people!
i think may 26th should be declared frankie manning day, even if unofficially. and every swing dancer should get their butt out and dance on that day (and others, but you get the idea :))
Yehoodi made me cry this morning. What a loss and a link the the 1930s. Frankie thanks for everything = you were the most important dancer of my lifetime.
I just spoke with my mum in England ... apparently Simon Selmon and his group were on Channel 4 tonight with Paul O'Grady doing the Shim Sham, and they dedicated it to the memory of Frankie. My mum doesn't know swing dancing, but remembered all the stories I told about Frankie, and remembered his name ...
"Change your thoughts, and you change your world" - Norman Vincent Peale.
Courtesy of jackyohhhh over at Swingorama.com
Website and Blog: ickeroo.com
News of Frankie Manning's death is being covered on 1010WINS News.
You ever know a guy that when you saw him, you were already looking forward to seeing him again... and there he was right in front of you? Through all the years, that never stopped. I'll make you proud, sir. DDD
Do they have news clips online? Can you share a link for us non-NY'ers?
Not yet, Redd. I'll keep watching for it.
I've taken the morning off tomorrow, just so I can do that tonight.
-- Rachel
I hope he is up there teaching the shim sham to Bea Arthur.
I just saw that ... :(
"Change your thoughts, and you change your world" - Norman Vincent Peale.
I have to travel to get my dance fix, as there is not one in my city. : Dance one for those of us unable to venture out tonight.
Rest in peace, Frankie Manning.
Frankie's stories from the old days were always special and funny.
It reminded me of the stories my grandfather used to tell me when he was still alive.
New York WNET channel 13 is airing a planned documentary on May 21 at 10:30 PM. I know it's in the future, but I thought some would like to make note.
You can dance with us in Chicago tonight... live cam http://tinyurl.com/fizvw2
Join the chat room and share your favorite Frankie stories. Starting 9:00 PM.
r_c_s, see you there!
T-shirts? Proceeds to the Lindy Hopper's Fund or some other such organization?
Just an idea.
She's already on it:
Website and Blog: ickeroo.com
I haven't danced in quite a long time, not regularly, but thinking about Frankie today and the absolute and utter joy he found in dancing and teaching and just telling his stories makes me want to get out onto the floor again. I will never forget the times he was my teacher, my few dances with him, or when I was introduced to him. He told me I was a "very sassy dancer" with the biggest grin on his face, the kind that made it clear he was paying me a compliment. I have never been so flattered.
It makes me happy to know that he has been surrounded by love from all of us around the world over the years and that his contributions to the world of dance will be remembered and passed on to future generations of dancers. I know he is dancing right now, and I hope to be dancing in his honor tonight and later this week. You shaped all our lives with an 8-count, Frankie.
Here is a shortened permanent link for everyone to share - http://tinyurl.com/frankie-t
From the Washington Post, "Lindy Hop pioneer Frankie Manning dies at 94 in New York. See Wash Post for full obit tomorrow and Post Mortem blog for video."
I was heartbroken to get the call this morning to hear that Frankie had passed away. Like so many others I feel honored to have known, learned, performed, and taught with him. He was a true inspiration and I will always hear that wonderful laugh as he counted a-one, a-two, a you know what to do!
I love and will miss you Frankie!
Angie Whitworth
Can we ever learn enough from this man. No reason to stop now. Thank you Frankie. We Love You!!!
Now when others say the same to me, I say "are you kidding? you don't know the king of swing? my mentor? my friend? the man I danced with for his 93rd birthday jam in the Caribean?" I cried. I felt others cry. It is a Sad Sad Day. To all my dear friends that love Frankie as much as I did & do - I am sorry for our loss. Long Live the Lindy Love of Frankie Manning.
Wendy Wenck Craighill www.Lindy101.com (Willliamsburg, Virginia Beach, VA) :jazzman:
Wendy
I feel so fortunate to have searched for Lindy Hop on youtube back in August. Ever since, the dance has consumed the bulk of my free time. It's had a profound effect on me in this short period of time, and I'm eternally grateful for everything Frankie Manning did to revive it.
amazing, so much love and so many memories. How wonderful to have an artist that was actually appreciated DURING his lifetime and in such a powerful way.
There's a saying about how one's lifespan is usually summed up as a dash on their tombstone... happily this man's dash will be remembered as so much more.
Swing 46, I'm there
I know many knew him much better than myself, and I know for me the best way to let a legacy live on is through their story. So please keep sharing it's good for the heart
Don't forget to breathe - me
In my 11 years of dancing, I had the privilege of meeting Frankie several times, learning from him, and laughing along with him as he told his stories. When I told him I work with college kids, he encouraged me to do whatever I could to spread the joy of lindy to them.
Even though I don't think I ever got to dance with him, the dance he pioneered and inspired is in me and always will be. In that sense I have danced with him; we all have. I will be truly fortunate if I get to live as long and full a life as Frankie, with his energy and vitality.
RIP, Frankie. Thank you for teaching us a language that, like love, communicates and brings joy across cultures.
(...Not to mention the fact that I met my fiance through swing!) :-)
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