American songwriter
Francesco J. "Frank" Guida (May 26, 1922 – May 19, 2007) was a Sicilian-American songwriter and music producer credited with discovering Gary U.S. Bonds, whose hits, including "New Orleans" and "Quarter to Three", he produced.[1] He was also a songwriter for Leroy Toombs. Other performers discovered by Guida include Jimmy Soul, Tommy Facenda (who gave Guida his first hit with "High School U.S.A."),[2] Lenis Guess and Pamala Stanley. The distinct sound he helped to create has been credited as influencing such major songwriters and producers as Bruce Springsteen and Phil Spector.[2] Together with musicians like the tenor saxman Gene "Daddy G" Barge, he helped establish what became known as "The Norfolk Sound".[3] His songs have been used in such films as Mask, Mermaids and Jaded.[2]