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Falconer Native Frank Vincent Inducted Into Cincinnati Jazz Hall Of Fame
A Falconer native who shared a stage with several notable performers as a jazz pianist has been posthumously honored for his contributions to music throughout his lifetime.
Frank Vincent, who spent a majority of his professional career in and around the Cincinnati area prior to his death in 2014, was welcomed into the Cincinnati Jazz Hall of Fame last month, alongside eight other individuals rounding out the 2017 class of inductees.
The Cincinnati Jazz Hall of Fame held a ceremony for its third class of inductees April 30 at the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati. The event was hosted by media legend and jazz aficionado Nick Clooney, father of actor George Clooney, and Vincent’s award was accepted by his daughter, Theresa Gehring.
Vincent’s sister, Sylvia Fuller, said his family is proud of her brother’s accomplishments and are grateful for the legacy that he left behind.
“Frank was so proud of his heritage, and he loved his hometown,” Fuller said. “He aspired to be like his grandfather, a gentleman with a great work ethic, and he worked hard for all that he achieved.”
Vincent began his musical endeavors learning how to play the accordion in his youth, and played locally in a trio known as the Western Heirs. After his graduation from school, he left for Cincinnati to study at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and soon met the late drummer Dee DeFelice, whose mother encouraged Vincent to learn to play the piano.
He took that advice and learned from renowned jazz pianist and composer Oscar Peterson. He soon joined DeFelice in forming The Dee Felice Trio, with which he performed for several years at many fine-dining establishments throughout the Cincinnati region and developed a good following of jazz appreciators. He continued performing at area clubs for over 50 years, up until his death three years ago at age 76.
Some of his career highlights include performing and recording alongside several well-known and highly respected musicians, such as James Brown — with whom he recorded two albums — and Mel Torme. He also had the privilege of meeting Bob Hope, Henry Mancini, Floyd Cramer and Neil Armstrong; and he played for John Ritter’s wedding reception. He is also notable for having composed the theme song for “The Phil Donahue” show.
Fuller said Vincent enjoyed returning to his hometown, and was often asked to sit in on piano with the local group Razz and Friends on those occasions.
“Frank will remain in the hearts of those who knew him, and his music will live on forever,” she said.
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