Biography
Frank Signorelli operated primarily behind the scenes, functioning as both organizer and pianist alongside multiple prominent ensembles. He co-founded the Original Memphis Five in 1917 alongside Phil Napoleon and remained with the prolific outfit through extensive recording sessions that continued until 1931. A brief stint with the Original Dixieland Jazz Band occurred in 1921, followed in 1927 by membership in Adrian Rollini’s short-lived yet legendary New Yorker ensemble. During that period he appeared on numerous classic sides featuring Bix Beiderbecke, Frankie Trumbauer, Joe Venuti, and Eddie Lang, while also contributing to countless dates with dance orchestras and commercial vocalists. Later engagements included the revived Original Dixieland Jazz Band from 1936 to 1938, a several-month association with Paul Whiteman in 1938, and steady work throughout the 1940s and 1950s, among them appearances at Nick’s with Bobby Hackett; he further assisted in reconstituting the Original Memphis Five. In the 1930s he composed the songs “I’ll Never Be The Same,” “Stairway to the Stars,” and “A Blues Serenade.” His own leadership output remained limited to three little-known sessions—four titles cut in 1926, another four in 1946 by a quintet that included Phil Napoleon, and two Stinson recordings from 1950 that supported vocalist Art Gentry—though he continued appearing as a sideman through a 1958 date with Miff Mole.
Singles