Preston Frank
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Preston Frank | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1947 (age 77–78) Oberlin, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Origin | Soileau, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Genres | Zydeco |
| Labels | Arhoolie, Lanor, Soulwood |
| Formerly of | The Preston Frank Soileau Band |
Preston Frank (born 1947) is an American zydeco musician.
Frank was born in Oberlin, Louisiana, of Louisiana Creole ancestry, and grew up in Soileau, Louisiana. Frank's great-grandfather, Joseph Frank Jr., played accordion, and his great-great-grandfather, Joseph Frank Sr., played fiddle, sometimes with fiddler Dennis McGee.[1] Though both Joseph Sr. and Joseph Jr. were known musicians in the area, neither ever recorded.[2] His father, Paul Frank, worked with and played guitar with fiddler Canray Fontenot.[1] Paul Frank was from Duralde, Louisiana prior to settling the family in Soileau. Paul's wife, Preston's mother, was named Rose Frank (née Victoria).[1]
As a child, Frank's family all made a living farming cotton. His father also played house dances.[1] Frank attended Oberlin High School in Oberlin, Louisiana.[2]
Frank began listening to live music at the insistence of his father and his uncle Carlton Frank, who was a fiddler. Once Preston Frank became interested in music, he purchased a Hohner diatonic accordion from a drugstore in Kinder, Louisiana. He learned by listening to records and with some assistance from his father.[1]
