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Australian Rock Of Ages: Number 14 – Frank Howson

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The Life and Time Stories of Australian Musicians, Performance Artists and those who commenced their contributed to the Australian Music industry from the 1950’s through to the 1970’s. 

Australian Rock of Ages is a series of interviews conducted with artists, entrepreneurs, managers.  Those who promoted and contributed to the Australian Music Industry.  All were born in Australia or settled in Australia during the halcyon years of the late 1950’s through to the late 1970’s. 

We present a different story each month.

The February program features the 4-part story of Frank Howson.

This program features the story of Baby Boomer Frank Howson. It was recorded a few years before the sad death of Frank, 12 months ago this month.

The podcast is a tribute to his many achievements and the impact he had on not just music, but all the “Arts”.

Frank was a person who had totally immersed himself in multi-faceted arts.  From an early age and up to his death he was still writing lyrics. He was also writing story-lines and directing live and filmed performances.

In Part 1 Frank introduces himself and his family. We gain a good understanding how his early introduction to music and arts would heavily influence his whole life.

australian rock of ages: number 14 - frank howson
A baby Frank – [CLICK to enlarge]

Franks on-going career included an incredibly successful one in music, acting, screenwriting, play-writing, producing and directing. Amazingly, in both live performances and in films and, in both Australia and Hollywood.

In Part 2 we learn how he was taken under the wing of by the legendary DJ Stan ‘the man” Rofe. While working at 3UZ we learn how he entered a recording studio and recording a single.

The single that looked destined to be a hit. However professional jealousy from a well known artist interfered in the process much to Frank’s dismay.

Undaunted, Frank then moves into live theater performance and gains roles in many large and successful productions.

australian rock of ages: number 14 - frank howson
Frank [Centre] in How Green Was My Valley (note the smoking by the boys, something that would not be allowed today) – CLICK to enlarge

These included Jesus Christ Superstar. It is here where Frank tells a story of how he almost accidentally hung Jon English during a performance.

The stories flow freely and Frank oozes entertainment while informing and educating us in his easy going style of presentation.

australian rock of ages: number 14 - frank howson
Frank, sometime in the mid 1970’s – [CLICK to enlarge]

In Part 3 Frank focuses on the success he has had as a lyricist. He talks of the words for songs that he has written for many successful artists.

These include the Little River Band, Richie Havens and Kate Ceberano, just to name a few.

But his writing far exceeds lyrics, as he is also a very successful playwright and scriptwriter.

He wrote for movies and live musicals as well as being both a producer and director.

australian rock of ages: number 14 - frank howson
Frank on set with one of his many movies he has directed – [CLICK to enlarge]
australian rock of ages: number 14 - frank howson
Frank directing a musical in Hong Kong where some of the cast thought they knew more than the director and musical director. They didn’t! – [CLICK to enlarge]

In this program he also starts to share with us the stories behind his last blockbuster success. This was Dream Lover: The Bobby Darin Musical.

australian rock of ages: number 14 - frank howson
Frank standing with a promotional post at the melbourne opening of Dream Lover – [CLICK to enlarge]

Part 4 is the final part of his story, Frank continues to talk at some length about his last project.

“Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Story” was one he wrote and produced and had rave reviews in its Sydney opening season.

australian rock of ages: number 14 - frank howson
Frank: The Dream Lover – [CLICK to enlarge]

In talking about this show, Frank also talks about his first-hand experiences with Bobby Darin’s family.

Finally, Frank also takes time out from stories involving his professional and on-going career.

He shares his thoughts and feelings on a range of issues that concerned him. Not the least of these being, his concern for the degradation of the environment.

australian rock of ages: number 14 - frank howson
A happy and content Frank Howson – [CLICK to enlarge]

The story of Frank Howson is the story of a man who came from a “arts” loving family. He was in the right place in the right time. However, heavily endowed in artistic skills, he carved out an amazing career.

It was one that continued right through until his sad passing in February of 2023.
Frank was the total sum of all his many faceted elements. This is what made him who he was.

His work will remain as a legacy of a man who took on the world while always remaining a Aussie boy.

australian rock of ages: number 14 - frank howson
[CLICK to enlarge]

Frank Howson – Part 1


Frank Howson – Part 2


Frank Howson – Part 3


Frank Howson – Part 4


Previous stories in Australian Rock Of Ages can be found via these links;

Program #1 – Bob BrightClick here

Program #2 – Normie RoweClick here

Program #3 – Mike Rudd: Click here

Program #4 – Phil Manning: Click here

Program #5 – Marcie JonesClick here

Program #6 – Ross D. WylieClick here

Program #7 – Lynn ThorpeClick here

Program #8 – Sam SeeClick here: 

Program #9 – Mick HamiltonClick here

Program #10 – Claire HumphrysClick here

Program #11- Glyn Mason: Click here

Program #12 – David Flint: Click here

Program #13 – Chris Stockley: Click here

 

 

 

 

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Rob Greaves

I have been with the Toorak Times since April 2012. I worked as Senior Editor of the Toorak Times until 2023, when I retired. I now work as a special features contributor for both the Toorak Times and Tagg. I've been in the Australian music scene as a musician since 1964, and have worked in radio and TV and newspapers (when they were actually printed on paper) as well as working in the film industry, as the Film Unit manager on Homicide for several years. I also have extensive experience in audio production and editing.

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