Frank Bey

Frank Bey (born Frank Bass; January 17, 1946 – June 7, 2020) was an American blues singer. He changed his last name from Bass to Bey at age 27 when he joined the Moorish Science Temple of America.

Early life Born and raised in Millen, Georgia, Frank was the seventh of twelve children born to gospel singer Maggie Jordan. He began his singing career performing gospel at the age of four. Along with his brother and two cousins, their group “The Rising Sons” toured around The South making live appearances as well as radio broadcasts. He remained with them until age 12 or 13 when the group dissolved. He also sang with his mother at local concerts, where he had the opportunity to help open shows for the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, the Soul Stirrers, and other notable groups. James Brown then published the song on Polydor Records without the Vanguard's permission. The group initially accused Bey of giving the song to Brown but Brown later settled and admitted to taking the song. After this, Bey left the music business for 17 years, and had his own businesses in the construction and restaurant industries.

By 1996, Bey returned to singing in the Philadelphia area. In 1998, Bey's debut album, Steppin' Out, was released on MAG Records. Health problems interfered with his ability to perform in support of the release, and he subsequently released Blues in the Pocket in 2007 on Jeffhouse Records. By then, Bey was brought by blues DJ Noel Hayes to the Bay Area in California to perform with guitarist Anthony Paule and other area musicians. The two went on to release three albums, You Don't Know Nothing (Live), Soul for Your Blues, and Not Goin' Away between 2013 and 2015. In September, he released his first CD on the Nola Blue label, Back In Business. This was followed by the release of All My Dues Are Paid in January 2020, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for "Best Traditional Blues Album".

Death Bey died on June 7, 2020, after a long illness.

Awards 35th Blues Music Awards – Nominee for Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year 35th Blues Music Awards – Nominee (with Anthony Paule) for Soul Blues Album of the Year (Soul for Your Blues) 37th Blues Music Awards – Nominee (with Anthony Paule) for Soul Blues Album of the Year (Not Goin' Away) 2018 Global Music Awards – Gold Medal, Male Vocalist – Back In Business 2019 Blues Blast Music Awards – Nominee for Soul Blues Album (Back In Business) 17th Independent Music Awards – Nominee for Blues Album (Back In Business) 18th Independent Music Awards – Nominee for Blues Album (All My Dues Are Paid) 63rd Annual Grammy Awards – Nominee for Best Traditional Blues Album

Discography