Joe Frank and the Knights
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Defunct | 1965 |
| Headquarters | Leland, Mississippi , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music |
Joe Frank and the Knights were a garage rock ensemble originating from Leland, Mississippi, active between 1959 and 1965 under the leadership of Joe Frank Carollo. By the mid-1960s, their influence had extended beyond the Mississippi Delta and Memphis, reaching a broad audience throughout the Southern United States. Their regional hit "Can't Find a Way" attracted the interest of ABC Records, which subsequently issued the single on a national scale. The group dissolved shortly after this achievement, with Carollo moving on to join the T-Bones, who later transformed into the soft rock trio Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds during the early 1970s.
Background
The band was established in 1959 through the combination of two Leland-based groups—the Bobcats, fronted by Joe Frank Carollo, and the Rollons—supplemented by guitarist Nicky Griffiths. Quickly ascending to become one of the most prominent acts within the Mississippi Delta and Memphis scenes, they eventually broadened their presence across the Southern region. Their extensive touring involved traveling in a Microbus, playing at events such as sock hops and fraternity gatherings. Their chief rival was Tommy Burk and the Counts, with whom they competed in popular battle-of-the-bands contests drawing sizable audiences. Originally featuring a horn section, the band later refined their lineup to achieve a grittier sound that reflected Carollo’s blues influences. Drummer Joe Carrero distinguished himself with complex drum fills and dynamic stage performances.
Career
The group’s first single was recorded in 1962 at Singing River Studios in Jackson, Mississippi, featuring Chuck Berry’s "Carol" backed with "Be My Love." Both songs earned a three-star evaluation from Billboard Music Week.
In 1963, they laid down a version of "Palisades Park," written by Chuck Barris and previously popularized by Freddie Cannon, at Tim Whitsett's garage studio. Released through Rim Records, this single incorporated live clapping performed by local high school girls to evoke an authentic “recorded live from the Delta” vibe.
Their 1964 release on El-Jay Records, "Twistin' Mississippi" backed with "Five Elephants in a Volkswagon," was produced by J. Boyd Ingram and Lyle Mitchell and received a B rating from Cash Box, praised for its blues-infused instrumental character. That same year saw the recording of their hallmark tune "Can't Find a Way," coupled with "Won't You Come on Home," initially issued via Block Records. The regional popularity of "Can't Find a Way" prompted ABC Records to distribute it nationally. Despite increasing success through 1965, Joe Frank and the Knights disbanded later that year.
Post Joe Frank and the Knights
Following the breakup, Joe Frank Carollo became a member of the T-Bones, who achieved a #3 position on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966 with their instrumental hit "No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach's In)." This group eventually evolved into the notable soft rock trio Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds, producing multiple albums along with significant hits including "Don't Pull Your Love" (#4 on Billboard in 1971) and their chart-topping "Fallin' in Love" in 1975.
Legacy and later years
The recordings of Joe Frank and the Knights have become highly regarded among collectors of garage rock music. Their song "Can't Find a Way" appears on compilations like A History of Garage and Frat Bands in Memphis, 1960-1975 Volume 1 as well as on Gear Fab Records’ 2009 release Psychedelic States: Mississippi In The 60s.
Membership 1957-1967
- Joe Frank Carollo (bass, vocals)
- Charles Purvis (drums)
- Joe Carrero, Jr. (drums)
- John Dewitt (organ)
- Mark Tidwell (guitar)
- Walker Sory (organ)
- Nicky Griffith (guitar)
- DD Fericci (saxophone)
- Miro Fericci (saxophone)
- Don Skelton (trombone)
Discography
- "Carol" paired with "Be My Love" (Cent. Ltd. 511, 1962)
- "Palisades Park" backed with "Please Come Back" (Rim 4111, 1963)
- "Twistin' Mississippi" coupled with "Five Elephants in a Volkswagen" (El-Jay 100463, 1964)
- "Can't Find a Way" along with "Won't You Come on Home" (Block 510, 1965; ABC 10782, 1965)
External links
- Sandy Kaye Presents - A Breath of Fresh Air Let's Chat: Joe Frank Carollo