Joseph Frank

Joseph Lee (J.L.) Frank (April 15, 1900 – May 4, 1952) was an American music promoter known for his promotion of country music artists during the second quarter of the 20th century. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in 1967.

Early life Frank was born in Mount Rozell, Alabama in Limestone County, but grew up across the state line in Giles County, Tennessee in the town of Pulaski after both of his parents died by the age of 7. As a young man, Frank worked in the steel mills of Birmingham before moving up to the coal mines in Illinois. While working in Illinois, Frank owned a dry cleaners in Evanston, Illinois and had a night job as a theater set mover. Following his wife's persuasion, he became a booking agent for radio stars such as Fibber McGee and Molly, Gene Autry, and Amos 'n' Andy. The promotions were also used to change country music from its original name of "hillbilly", a term that Frank detested.

Death Frank was on a business trip in Dallas when he became ill and died there in 1952 from a strep infection.

In 1989, Frank was posthumously inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.