sax, 1922-2007 US, Province of Palermo
Musician / Composer / Songwriter / Producer
A.k.a. Francesco Guida Leader (11)
Frank Guida (May 26, 1922 – May 19, 2007) was a Sicilian-American songwriter and music producer credited with discovering Gary U.S. Bonds, whose hits, including "New Orleans" and "Quarter to Three", he produced. He was also a songwriter for Leroy Toombs. Other performers discovered by Guida include Jimmy Soul, Tommy Facenda (who gave Guida his first hit with "High School U.S.A."), Lenis Guess and Pamala Stanley. The distinct sound he helped to create has been credited as influencing such major songwriters and producers as Bruce Springsteen and Phil Spector. Together with musicians like the tenor saxman Gene "Daddy G" Barge, he helped establish what became known as "the Norfolk sound". His songs have been used in such films as Mask, Mermaids and Jaded.