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Frank Owens

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BIO

Frank Owens is a renowned pianist, arranger, and music director celebrated for his contributions to Broadway, including leading roles in productions like “Ain’t Misbehavin’”, “Uptown It’s Hot!”, and “Sophisticated Ladies”. His vast theatrical experience also features performances in “Black Broadway”, “Don’t Play Us Cheap”, and his creation, “Shades of Harlem”. Beyond the stage, Owens served as the musical director for the debut David Letterman Show and played a pivotal role in TV hits such as “It’s Showtime at the Apollo”. His collaborations include icons like Johnny Mathis, Lena Horne, John Denver, and Keith David. Among his accolades, Owens clinched the Virtuoso Award after winning the NARAS MVP award for acoustic piano five times. He’s also recognized for dance arrangements in “The Wiz” film and a gold record for Tony Orlando and Dawn’s “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Old Oak Tree”. Beyond the studio, Owens has graced stages at Mortimer’s, the Hotel Carlyle, and the annual Tap Extravaganza in NYC. As a recording artist, standout albums include “Oliver! Ole!” and “In Performance”. Each August, he’s a highlight of Bryant Park’s “Piano in the Park” Series. Recently, Owens has contributed to the Maryland Youth Ballet and The Washington School of Ballet, and produced a tribute concert for Erroll Garner at BMCC’s Performing Arts Center.

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Performer [Replacement]

Productions

 
[Broadway, 1986]
Dance Music Arranger
Musical Director
Musical Supervisor
 
[Off-Broadway, 1980]
Musical Director

News


Frank Owens, Broadway Musician And Former Musical Director For IT'S SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO, Passes Away

Frank Owens, Broadway Musical Virtuoso, Former Musical Director for 'It's Showtime at the Apollo' Dies. A pianist for nearly seven decades, Owens backed talent on Broadway stages, recording studios and TV sets – backing artists from Lena Horne to The Washington Ballet.
Flushing Town Hall Celebrates Black Icons and Innovators With Black History Trilogy

This February, Flushing Town Hall celebrates Black History Month (or African American History Month, as it's also known) with the return of its Black History Trilogy, a three-part series featuring outstanding performers paying tribute to influential African American musicians, dancers, and entertainers.
HOLA Member Perform at The Hard Rock Casino In Atlantic City

On Kentucky Avenue is a full-fledged, razzle-dazzle riveting “book” musical that startlingly transforms the tiny stage of Off-Broadway's Triad Theatre into one of New York's most magical and electric shows.
BWW Review: Freda Payne Is Every Inch A Diva at Birdland, Celebrating a New Album and Memoir

Freda Payne played to an enthusiastic and diverse crowd at Birdland, by way of celebrating her new CD and her new book.
Freda Payne to Perform Album Release Concert for LET THERE BE LOVE at Birdland

BIRDLAND will present Freda Payne in her album release concert “Let There Be Love” for one show only on Monday, November 22 at 7:00 PM.
Nicolas King Celebrates CD Release With August 5th Show at The Green Room 42

Nicolas King has been hard at work, and the work is paying off for him and his fans.
Nicolas King's Album Release Party to Feature Carol Burnett, Fran Drescher, Max von Essen, Norm Lewis and More

CLUB44 RECORDS will celebrate the new Nicolas King album Act One: Celebrating 25 Years of Recordings on Wednesday, April 28 at 8:00 PM Eastern with an all-star online release party event. Nicolas will perform several songs with Mike Renzi at the piano.
Nicolas King's ACT ONE Album Featuring Liza Minnelli, Tom Selleck, Jane Monheit, and Norm Lewis Out Today on CD

CLUB44 RECORDS is launching their relationship with acclaimed vocalist Nicolas King with the release of his new collection Act One: Celebrating 25 Years of Recordings, which is available on CD today, Friday, February 26. The album was released in streaming and digital formats last month.
Nicolas King to Release New Album Featuring Liza Minnelli, Tom Selleck, Norm Lewis and More

CLUB44 RECORDS is launching their relationship with acclaimed vocalist Nicolas King with the release of his new collection Act One: Celebrating 25 Years of Recordings, which will be available in streaming and digital formats on Friday, January 22.
Daryl Sherman, Isaac ben Ayala, Terry Waldo and More to Take Part in PIANO IN BRYANT PARK

One of Bryant Park's most popular programs, 'Piano in Bryant Park,' returns for New Yorkers who've been eagerly awaiting outdoor performances.
Duke Ellington Honored With Performance Series At Birdland Jazz Club

ELLINGTON ON BROADWAY, featuring songs from the hit musicals PLAY ON and SOPHISTICATED LADIES, will kick off a monthly performance series honoring Jazz Great Duke Ellington at Birdland Jazz Club, 315 West 44th Street, NYC.
ELLINGTON ON BROADWAY to Kick Off Monthly Performance Series at Birdland

ELLINGTON ON BROADWAY, featuring songs from the hit musicals PLAY ON and SOPHISTICATED LADIES, will kick off a monthly performance series honoring Jazz Great Duke Ellington at Birdland Jazz Club, 315 West 44th Street, NYC.
Duke Ellington Center For The ArtS Will Celebrate Duke Ellington's 120th Birthday

THE MAESTRO'S 120TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT THE DUKE ELLINGTON MONUMENT, on Sunday, April 28, 2019, 1PM to 3PM, is a free all-Ellington theatrical music presentation at The Duke Ellington Monument, that stands majestically at the Frawley's Circle in Central Park (corner of 110th Street and 5th Avenue), the Gateway to Harlem. Mercedes Ellington,  producer, performer/choreographer, Ellington's granddaughter is the Founder & Artistic Director of DECFA.
DECFA To Present Tribute Concert to Duke Ellington

THE MAESTRO'S 120TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT THE DUKE ELLINGTON MONUMENT, on Sunday, April 28, 2019, 1PM to 3PM, is a free all-Ellington theatrical music presentation at The Duke Ellington Monument, that stands majestically at the Frawley's Circle in Central Park (corner of 110th Street and 5th Avenue), the Gateway to Harlem. Mercedes Ellington,  producer, performer/choreographer, Ellington's granddaughter is the Founder & Artistic Director of DECFA.
ON KENTUCKY AVENUE Sweeps 46th Annual Audelco Awards With Six Wins

On Nov. 19, 2018, the 46th Annual Vivian Robinson AUDELCO Recognition Awards for Excellence in Black Theatre were held at Tribeca Performing Arts Center. On Kentucky Avenue, a new original musical created by Jeree Wade and written by Adam Wade and Ty Stephens, was nominated for 10 AUDELCO Awards, taking home a total of six, the highest number of wins for the evening, including for "Best Musical."
ON KENTUCKY AVENUE Returns To CCCA With Showcase Of Black Nightlife And Entertainment In 1960s America

Historic Club Harlem will roar back to life as City College Center for the Arts (CCCA) presents a special three-week return engagement of On Kentucky Avenue: A Celebration of Atlantic City's Famed Club Harlem at Aaron Davis Hall in New York beginning on Thursday, July 12. The show, which thrilled audiences when it premiered at Aaron Davis Hall in 2016, offers viewers a glimpse inside the celebrated nightclub that was the center of nightlife in Atlantic City's segregated Northside beginning in the 1930s. On Kentucky Avenue: A Celebration of Atlantic City's Famed Club Harlem was created by Jeree Wade, written by Adam Wade and Ty Stephens, and directed by Lee Summers.
Harlem Music Revue 'ON KENTUCKY AVENUE' Coming to The Triad

Celebrate summer in New York City in July at the hugely entertaining On Kentucky Avenue: The Atlantic City, Club Harlem Musical at The Triad (158 West 72nd Street, 2nd Floor) with 7pm shows on July 11, July 12, July 13, July 14 & July 15 and a 2pm show on July 15.
Harlem Music Revue 'ON KENTUCKY AVENUE' Coming to The Triad

Celebrate summer in New York City in July at the hugely entertaining On Kentucky Avenue: The Atlantic City, Club Harlem Musical at The Triad (158 West 72nd Street, 2nd Floor) with 7pm shows on July 11, July 12, July 13, July 14 & July 15 and a 2pm show on July 15.
Christine Melton will be Singing Sweetly at New Harlem Besame

Christine Melton will be singing sweetly from The Great American Songbook with Pianist, Richard Clements, Malik Mclaurine - Bass, Camille Gainer-Jones - Drums at New Harlem Besame
Christine Melton Sings Sweetly at the Metropolitan Room

Cobi Narita/ Jazz Center of New York is proud to present Christine Melton with Jazz Trio; Charles Lovell (piano) Essiett Essiett (bass) and Sylvia Cuenca (drums) at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street on Saturday, July 30th at 4:00pm (Doors open at 3:30). Tickets are $25 with a 2 drink minimum, $20 for Students/Singers/Seniors.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Frank Owens been in?

Frank Owens has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Frank Owens been in?

Frank Owens has not appeared in the West End.

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