Community
Remembering popular Fall River performer Frankie “James” Ventura
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.
The Oriental Pearl, Leo’s Last Stop, Hoffman’s, and China Royal were some of his 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 real 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
Sea Of Faces
Autumn Leaves
Posted by Frank Ventura on Sunday, September 12, 2010
Photos courtesy of Carl Vincelette, Charlie Quintal, and Richie Baptista
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Debra Perry Degroot
March 25, 2018 at 7:07 pm
He was a lifelong friend of my Mother and her sisters. We considered him family. He would babysit myself and my siblings. Back in the sixties. Was also the performer at my wedding in 1972. He loved to make people laugh. He will be deeply missed by all of us. But is memory will now be a treasure to many. Rest easy Frankie. Love you always.
Laurie souza
March 25, 2018 at 9:46 pm
God bless his sole him and his band (Generations) played for my stag and shower. My mother and stepfather were very good friends with him so of course he was at my wedding which of course he was the one to catch my bouquet lol that was in 1992. I have alot of pictures of him sad to see that he passed away he lived a very good FUN life R.I.P. Frankie
Granna
March 26, 2018 at 1:49 pm
Remember him and his songs. I believe he was one of the guys from “below the hill’’
CRYSTAL REDFORD
March 27, 2018 at 7:32 pm
Frankie James was one of the best performers anyone could of ever had the pleasure of hearing his music with the guys from Generations! Frankie was loved by many who had known him & I WAS ONE OF THOSE LUCKY PEOPLE!!! Frankie is now with another great known musician Joey Moniz who played in Generations also!! TWO GREAT ONE OF A KIND PEOPLE WHO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN !!!XOXOXO LOVE & MISSED DEEPLY MISSED BY RON AYOTTE & CHRIS REDFORD[DUPRAS]