Flamenco. -R. Jerome- Frankie Laine with Mitch Miller & his Orch. & The Norman Luboff Choir.

Описание: Carl Fischer: Piano. Columbia label record # 39585 (RHCO 4456) Date 1951

Frankie Laine (1913–2007) was an American singer, songwriter, and actor whose powerful, baritone voice made him one of the most successful entertainers of the mid-20th century. Often called "Mr. Rhythm" or "Old Leather Lungs," he sold over 100 million records throughout a career that spanned more than seven decades. 

Musical Career & Achievements

Signature Hits: His most famous recordings include "I Believe," "That's My Desire," "Mule Train," "Jezebel," and "That Lucky Old Sun".

Chart Records: In 1953, his version of "I Believe" topped the U.K. charts for 18 weeks, a record that remains unsurpassed to this day.

Western Theme Icon: Laine became synonymous with Western themes, singing the title tracks for the TV series Rawhide and films such as High Noon, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, and Blazing Saddles.

Performance Style: Known for his dynamic, belting style, he was a precursor to rock and roll and influenced artists ranging from Elvis Presley to Leonard Cohen. 

Early Life & Personal Details

Background: Born Francesco Paolo LoVecchio in Chicago to Sicilian immigrants, he worked as a car salesman, machinist, and marathon dancer before finding fame.

Discovery: He was discovered by songwriter Hoagy Carmichael at an L.A. nightclub in 1946, which led to his first major recording contract.

Wrestling Alter Ego: Unrelated to the singer, a professional wrestler also performed under the name Frankie Laine during the 1960s–80s. 

Discography & Products

Laine released over 60 albums during his lifetime. Modern collections and vinyl reissues are still available: 

Box Sets: Comprehensive collections like the Bear Family 6-CD Box Set "I Believe" offer deep dives into his recordings.

Greatest Hits: Compilations such as 16 Most Requested Songs or The Essential Frankie Laine provide his most iconic hits.

Vinyl: Original 10-inch Columbia and Mercury pressings remain popular items for collectors. 


Frankie Laine and Mitch Miller had a highly successful professional collaboration during the late 1940s and 1950s. Miller, as the head of A&R (Artists and Repertoire) for Mercury Records and later Columbia Records, signed Laine and produced many of his biggest hits. 

Their partnership was known for its innovative production techniques and for shifting Laine's musical style from a jazz-flavored crooner to a popular, dramatic singer of folk and Western-themed songs. Miller used unusual instrumentations for the time, such as a wood block to simulate whip cracks on "Mule Train". 

Key aspects of their collaboration include:

Hit Production: Miller produced a string of huge international hits for Laine, making them a formidable hit-making team.

Simultaneous Chart Success: Their first collaboration, "That Lucky Old Sun," went to number one, and their second, "Mule Train," went to number two, making Laine the first artist to simultaneously hold the top two positions on the charts.

Genre Shift: Miller guided Laine into recording country and Western songs, which made the genre commercially popular on a large scale long before other artists like Jim Reeves and Chet Atkins.

Iconic Songs: The collaboration yielded many enduring songs, including:

"That Lucky Old Sun"

"Mule Train"

"High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin')"

"Jalousie"

"Cool Water"

"Your Cheatin' Heart"

"Rawhide" (theme song) 

While their musical direction sometimes caused friction, particularly Laine's initial reluctance to move away from his preferred jazz style, the commercial success of their partnership was undeniable, securing Laine's lasting fame and wealth.