Frankie Manning RIP

[straycat]

Copied from Frankie's website.

As you may have heard, Frankie entered the hospital a week and a half ago, due to problems with his medication. Then on Friday, he was taken into the intensive care unit after he developed pneumonia. It is a very serious situation. Although he cannot talk or move his limbs, he recognizes people and responds to their messages of caring and love. Throughout all of this his spirit remains strong and his family and close friends are with him.

Please take some time during your day to send Frankie healing energy, prayers and love and tell everyone you know to do the same. You can also send him a personal note of encouragement here:

Frankie Manning, PO Box 737648 , Elmhurst NY 11373

Frankie needs our support!

[Minnie M]

Copied from Frankie's website.

So so near to his 95th birthday - he will need all our prayers

I do hope he will be well enough to see all that has been planned for him

[straycat]

Unfortunately, it's not looking good. The current news is that his doctors now give him a day or so at best .

It's very sad, but I suppose one has to bear in mind that at nearly 95, he's lived an extraordinary life, and the fact that he's been able to devote so much of it to doing what he loves is a thing to be celebrated, as is the incredible legacy that (preferrably later, rather than sooner) he's going to leave behind him. Plus - we can always hope for a miracle.

In case anyone here does not know who Frankie Manning is, he was one of the 2nd generation of Lindy Hoppers, a member of Whitey's Lindyhoppers (probably the top Lindy performance group of its day) and one of the people who really shaped the dance, and helped make it what it is today. He is the most revered member of the worldwide Lindy scene, and I think it's fair to say that his influence on the world of Lindy in particular, and less directly on partner dance in general has been huge.

Some YouTube clips - - he's the guy in dungarees, who comes on at 1:18.

What he was like ...

[Gav]

It is a shame and so close to his Birthday and all the celebrations lined up all over the world.
But as you say, he's had a good run and I'm sure he's aware of how popular he is around the world already.
If this is the end of the line for him, he will be missed.

[David Franklin]

Unfortunately, it's not looking good. The current news is that his doctors now give him a day or so at best .

According to Yehoodi, Frankie passed away this morning.

A sad day.

[straycat]

According to Yehoodi, Frankie passed away this morning.

A sad day.

A very sad day. Rest in peace....

[Gav]

Apparently he was still dancing in the last couple of weeks.
I think any of us would be pleased to still be dancing as we approach our 95th birthday.

[Lory]

Its very sad news indeed but....

Apparently he was still dancing in the last couple of weeks.

and no one can last forever and I don't think it would feel much like living to him, if he could no longer dance!

RIP Frankie and thank you for being such an inspiration, for so much of the dancing we enjoy today!

[Minnie M]

Its very sad news indeed but....

and no one can last forever and I don't think it would feel much like living to him, if he could no longer dance!

RIP Frankie and thank you for being such an inspiration, for so much of the dancing we enjoy today!

I feel as if I have lost a relative, such a very sad day.

I think nearly everyone on the Lindy scene who has been dancing a few years has either, danced, spoken to, or have been in one of his classes - I treasure all three - RIP Frankie

[Minnie M]

It is a shame and so close to his Birthday and all the celebrations lined up all over the world.......

I can't stop crying so very very sad - I would think his Birthday Celebrations will still go ahead as a Celebration of his Life, he has touched so many lives and has been such an inspiration to us all.

[Gav]

I can't stop crying so very very sad - I would think his Birthday Celebrations will still go ahead as a Celebration of his Life, he has touched so many lives and has been such an inspiration to us all.

It seems to be the general consensus on Yehoodi that the planned celebrations will go ahead as a celebration of his life and everything he gave to those of you that were fortunate to have met him, and those of us who have been indirectly affected by his passion for dance.

[straycat]

It seems to be the general consensus on Yehoodi that the planned celebrations will go ahead as a celebration of his life and everything he gave to those of you that were fortunate to have met him, and those of us who have been indirectly affected by his passion for dance.

I don't think he'd have wanted it any other way.

[Rhythm King]

I was deeply saddened by Frankie's passing and agree with everything said above. Without him and his peers there wouldn't have been any jive to "modernise"!

So let's remember and celebrate this great guy and to quote the man himself: -


"Let's Dance!"

[Gus]

Ditto the porevious sentiments.

Had the pleasure/honour to be taught by him at Jumpin At The Woodside (99?). Great sense of humour, great teacher ... lovely performer. A great inspiration to many but his work will live on through his students and acolytes.

Still dancing into your 90's .... its gotta be something to aim for and put a smile on your face even if Frankie is now dancing where the music never stops.

[Mr Cool]

Frankie Died in New York 27th april 2009
He was one of the key dancers in the 1930s who danced at the legendry Savoy ballroom Harlem.
He has been dancing promoting and teaching lindy around the world since its resurgence in 1989
I am pleased to say i had the honour of attending some of his classes.
He danced to the end a great and wonderful dancer. RIP!

[Geordieed]

Frankie was an inspiration to all Swing dancers and beyond. I was honoured to meet him in America a couple of years ago. Not only will he always be remembered for his presence on the dancefloor but also as a man and a gentleman at that.

Looking at his life story he is an inspiration to everyone about how wonderful life can be no matter what age you are and that change can come to any of us at any time. It is never too late to live your passion. Whether the whole world knows it or just yourself I would like to think like Frankie that I lived the life doing what I loved the most.

Frankie lives on in the people he has touched. My own choice is to celebrate him...

[straycat]

For a slightly surreal, sad, but heart-warming sight, here's one of many clips from the funeral.

- led by Chaz Young - Frankie's son.

[Minnie M]

For a slightly surreal, sad, but heart-warming sight, here's one of many clips from the funeral.

- led by Chaz Young - Frankie's son.

Look out for Lucky Skillen

[straycat]

- a segment about Frankie from a documentary on Herrang.