Frank White

Frank White was one of Sheffield’s most respected rock ’n’ roll and blues musicians, a cult figure on the city’s live circuit from the late 1950s onward. Although he never became a mainstream star, his influence on Sheffield musicians was considerable, and he developed a near-legendary reputation among British blues fans.

In the 1960s, Frank recorded some demos under the name of "Frank White's Cat Music", (which we hope to have digitised and made available).  He toured Europe with another local hero, The Crying Game pop star Dave Berry and the Cruisers. He also played alongside Carl Perkins, Albert Lee and The Crickets.

Frank, uncle of city recording star Richard Hawley, was a regular at the Broadfield and had a residency at The Pheasant which lasted 19 years. His solo debut album – Nice To Be On Your Show – was released in 1973 on Fantasy Records, home of Creedence Clearwater Revival.

He was an accomplished artist with a deep understanding of the Blues. His cool presence on stage, his mastery of the electric guitar and his deeply soulful voice were perfectly suited to Rhythm & Blues, where he always played his version of the Blues and in his own style. "I don't try to sound like Muddy Waters or Howlin' Wolf. Why should I try and sound like them. I am what I am."

There are many myths surrounding Frank - the Rolling Stones wanted him in the band when Mick Taylor left. That Elvis saw him on ‘Shindig’ and was digging his playing. That, off the record, he’s Eric Clapton’s favourite guitarist. That he could have been the first white guy signed to Motown. That his mate Joe Cocker wanted him for The Grease Band. That he had the first twin-neck electric guitar in Europe, before Jimmy Page. (that one is true).

Frank died on 29 March 2020, aged 78.

Albums
Nice To Be On Your Show Fantasy, Fantasy 1973
Frank White Kingfish Records 1988
The Frank White Band Live! Kingfish Records 1991
Dog It! Kingfish Records KFCD2 1994
The Cat Kingfish Records KFCD3 2010

Singles & EPs
Nobody / Move On Fantasy 1973
Not Fade Away Fantasy 1976
Shelly MAM 1978
Taking The Easy Way Out - WAT Records MAB 001 1982
What You Gonna Do - Wat Records MAB 102 1983
One More Lonely Night - Kingfish Records PYS 16 1989