Remembering Frank Owens

One of the great privileges of taking ballet classes at the Maryland Youth Ballet is having the most amazing piano accompanists play for our classes.

Frank Owens

One of them was a gentleman named Frank Owens. He played for some of the classes I took, and when passing him in the hallway I always made a point of acknowledging him with a smile and a nod. He also played at The Washington School of Ballet.

Frank was killed in a car crash in DC this weekend. He'd just turned 90 on September 1st.

What few of the students who enjoyed dancing to his music knew was his background. He was the first band leader for The David Letterman Show. For seven years he was the music director for NBC TV’s "Showtime at the Apollo". He created the opening tune of Tony Orlando and Dawn’s “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Old Oak Tree” for which he received a gold record. He played piano on Irene Cara's hit "Out Here On My Own" from the movie Fame.

A search on YouTube for "Frank Owens" will lead you to several worthwhile videos, including this excellent interview.

Rather than attempt to write a proper obituary, I'll suggest this link to Memorial Haven.

Frank, you touched more lives than you can possibly imagine. I'm sorry to see you go.