As the fifth anniversary of his death approaches, a look back at well-known Fall River performer Frankie James

He was one of a kind and if you met him, you never forgot him.

Frank Ventura, known by his stage name Frankie James, was a well-known performer in the Fall River area from the late 1950’s to the 2000’s. He was a city legend who passed away back on March 24th, 2018, at the age of 81.

Here is a look back at an article Fall River Reporter wrote at the time of his passing.

The Oriental Pearl, Leo’s Last Stop, Hoffman’s, and China Royal were some of Frankie’s frequent gig locations as he performed with his band the Royal Jesters. His most memorable performance was appearing on the Dave Sennet Dance Party on TV in the early 1960’s with Ray Peterson.

Frankie performed for almost 60 years.

In the late 1950’s and the 1960’s he released several 45 singles including Autumn Leaves, There Is Only One Love, The Story of My Life, Give Your Sweet Love To Me, and Sea of Faces.

According to friends and fans, who are too many to count, he was a great man and also a great entertainer. He was also gay and proud in a time where it wasn’t as accepting as it is today. Several looked back on the loss of an entertainer and friend shortly after his death.

Carl Vincelette, who was his friend and drummer for thirteen years, looked back on how he was a one-of-a-kind personality and one of the great voices and showman in our area.

Others such as Madeline Matthews, who helped take care of him in his later years, are still trying to process the loss and void that is now left.

Former band mate Rick Pacheco also had a few words.

“We became really close, great guy, singer, and entertainer. He knew how to handle a crowd. I have been a musician for over 30 years, and I have never met anyone quite like Frankie. If it was today as opposed to the 50s when Frankie started, he could have been one of the greatest. With society being the way it was it wasn’t meant to be, but he persevered as no one else could have given the time and that was only because of his incredible voice, and one-of-a-kind personality. He will be truly missed by many and the likes of which Fall River will never see, and or hear again.”

He performed with many musicians over the years. Some of his other former band mates include Pete Vans, Pete Amaral, Moe Charette, and Rick Pacheco.

Below is a look back at the pictures and songs that many remember of one of Fall River’s great entertainers.

The Story Of My Life

Give Your Sweet Love To Me

Autumn Leaves

Photos courtesy of Carl Vincelette, Charlie Quintal, and Richie Baptista