Frankie Crocker

Frankie Crocker (December 18 1940, Buffalo, N.Y. - October 21 2000, North Miami Beach, Fla.) was an famous New York radio DJ. On the air, he sometimes called himself the Chief Rocker, and he was as well known for his boastful on-air patter as for his off-air flamboyance. When Studio 54 was at the height of its popularity, Crocker rode in through the front entrance on a white stallion. In the studio, before he left for the day, Crocker would light a candle and invite female listeners to enjoy a candlelight bath with him. Crocker, a native of Buffalo, coined the phrase "urban contemporary" in the 1970s, a label for the eclectic mix of songs that he played. He was the master of ceremonies of shows at the Apollo Theater in Harlem and was one of the first V.J.'s on VH-1, the video cable channel. He also played host of the TV show "Solid Gold." As an actor, Crocker appeared in five films, including "Cleopatra Jones" and "Darktown Strutters."

Related Topics:
December 18 - 1940 - October 21 - 2000 - Studio 54 - Urban contemporary - Eclectic - Master of ceremonies - Apollo Theater - Harlem - VH-1 - Solid Gold - Cleopatra Jones - Darktown Strutters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He is credited with introducing Manu Dibango's "Soul Makossa" to American audiences.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~