Preston Frank

Preston Frank
Born1947 (age 76–77)
Oberlin, Louisiana, U.S.
OriginSoileau, Louisiana, U.S.
GenresZydeco
LabelsArhoolie, Lanor, Soulwood
Formerly ofThe 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]

  1. ^ a b c d e Savoy, Ann Allen (2020). Cajun Music: A Reflection of a People. Vol. 2. Eunice, Louisiana: Bluebird Press. ISBN 978-0-930169-02-2.
  2. ^ a b Tisserand, Michael (1998). Kingdom of Zydeco. New York: Arcade Publishing. ISBN 978-1-55970-418-2.