Joe L. Frank
1900 - 1952
1989 Inductee

Born in Mt. Rozell, Al., in 1900, Joe L. Frank  was a promoter and manager who launched the careers of some of the biggest names in country music.

He created the singing cowboy with the career of Gene Autry, Pee Wee King, and the Golden West Cowboys. Frank also developed acts such as Roy Acuff, Eddy Arnold, Ernest Tubb and Minnie Pearl by combining radio broadcasts with personal appearances. He managed the radio careers of acts such as Amos and Andy, and Fibber McGee and Molly.

As a songwriter, Frank wrote "Chapel on the Hill," "Sundown and Sorrow," and "My Main Trail Is Yet To Come."

Frank became ill during a business trip to Chicago and died May 4, 1952, while at the peak of his career.

Frank is the 1989 John Herbert Orr Pioneer Award recipient.

He has been inducted into both the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.