Fran Smith Jr.

Fran Smith Jr. (born July 17, 1952) is an American bass guitarist and vocalist, best known for his 30-year gig with the Philadelphia-based rock group The Hooters. Smith has also maintained a career as a recording artist in his own right, as well as a producer for other artists.[1]

Fran Smith Jr.
Smith performing with The Hooters in 2022.
Smith performing with The Hooters in 2022.
Background information
Born (1952-07-17) July 17, 1952
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
GenresRock
Occupation(s)Musician, record producer
Instrument(s)Bass, vocals
Years active1978–present

Smith has toured as Paul McCartney in Beatlemania, a celebration of The Beatles. He also played the part of Carlo Cannoli in Tony and Tina's Wedding, a long running off-Broadway comedy. From his own recording studio he has produced many successful projects for artists such as Joe Piscopo and Flo & Eddie of The Turtles.[1]

Fran Smith Jr. at The Spectrum

In 1995, Smith released the solo CD For No Apparent Reason, as Rory Kunkle.[1]

In 2005, he released Man Meets Machine, Fran Smith Jr and the Ten Cent Millionaires

In 2016, he released Mystic County on his son Graham Alexander's Odeon label.[2]

Discography
  • Johnny's Dance Band – Love Wounds, Flesh Wounds (1978 – Windsong Records) (Vinyl Only – No CD)
  • Nan Mancini & JDB – It's A Man's World (1979 – Windsong Records) (Vinyl Only – No CD)
  • The Hooters – Zig Zag (1989 – Columbia Records)[3]
  • Roger Waters ("The Wall") Live in Berlin -- (July 21, 1990)
  • The Hooters – Out Of Body (1993 – MCA Records)[3]
  • The Hooters – Live! In Germany (1994 – MCA Records) (European Only CD Release)[3]
  • Rory Kunkle (Fran Smith Jr.) – For No Apparent Reason (1995)[4]
  • Largo – Largo (1998) – Mercury Records
  • "Beyond the Palace", chapter reference dedicated to Fran Smith Jr., -- (author, Gary Wein -- release date May, 2003)
  • Fran Smith Jr. & The Ten Cent Millionaires – Man Meets Machine (2005)[4]
  • The Hooters – Time Stand Still (Neo Records – 2007 European Release)
    (Megaforce / MRI Associated Labels – 2008 USA Release)[3]
  • The Hooters – Five By Five (Neo Records -2010 Release)
  • Fran Smith Jr – Mystic County 2016[2]
  • "The Goldbergs" series, appearance on the episode entitled, "The Hooters" -- (original air date January 17, 2018)

*The Hooters were also honored with induction to The Philadelphia "Walk of Fame" -- (October 23, 2019)

Other contributions
  • Blake Thompson – Blake Thompson (5 Song CD EP) (1990) TC Records – (Fran Smith Jr. – Bass Guitar)
  • Glen Burtnik – Palookaville (1996) Deko Records (Fran Smith Jr. – Background Vocals)
  • Orange & Black – Baldwin Drive (2008) Zip Records (Fran Smith Jr. – Bass)
  • Scott Philipp – Just Another Day (2008) Joint Chiefs Records (Fran Smith Jr. – Adviser to Craig Simon producer)
  • Craig Simon and the vintage "The test of time" (2012) Fran Smith Jr. Bass
  • Smash Palace, Extended Play, Live from the Auction House
  • Dar Williams – Emerald
  • David Uosikkinen – In The Pocket-Sessions, In The Pocket Live
  • Graham Alexander – Repeat Deceiver, Graham Alexander
  • TJ Tindall – TJ Tindall's East Coast
  • Clayton West
  • Livvie Forbes – CHRONIC 2016

References
  1. "Fran Smith Jr.net (biography)". November 2, 2009. Retrieved December 28, 2010.
  2. Riordan, Kevin (March 24, 2017). "Impresario has found the future -- in Camden's legendary musical past". Philly.com. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  3. "The Hooters (discography)". Retrieved December 28, 2010.
  4. "Fran Smith Jr.net (Solo)". November 2, 2009. Retrieved December 28, 2010.
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