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Here’s a scene from the swingingest funeral ever, as Frankie Manning was laid to rest, just a few weeks short of his 95th birthday. That’s one of his favorite bands, The Harlem Renaissance Orchestra. More than 2000 swing dancers from all over the globe will come together in New York on Memorial Day weekend to honor Frankie.
This video is the great Dawn Hampton and John Dokes Dancing for Frankie Manning at the funeral repast at the Harlem Stagehouse, May 2, 2009. Here’s my video of Dawn Hampton at her 80th birthday partyparty last June, and in her days as a jazz singer.
I am so lucky to have had Frankie Manning in my life. Rest in peace you beautiful man, and teach those angels how to swing.
Read George Gee’s tribute to Frankie.