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Brief History of Frank Brown
The festival is dedicated to the late Frank Brown, who was
night watchman at the Flora~Bama for 28 years, and whose
moral values, integrity and strength of character still
endure. Mr. Frank, as he was known by all, (was 91 years
old when he retired) was featured on Paul Harvey's
syndicated radio show, "The Rest of the Story."
At the club, Mr. Frank wore a pair of matched revolvers,
slung low, but he didn't have to use them. Usually it was
enough to say, "Now, you boys don't have to be like that.
What would yo' mamma say?" All the regulars knew and
respected him. He was as much a part of the Bama as the
sunrise was a part of the night.
He didn't worry too much about material things. He
thought: success is when a man gets what he wants;
happiness is when a man wants what he's got. He was in
his glory, just staying around listening to the music. He
was the last person the performers saw at closing time.
Mr. Frank was 93 years old when he passed away in 1988,
and he left a legacy that we can all share. Some say his
spirit still lives on in the celebration of the music. He still
lives on today in the memories of those who were
fortunate enough to have known him. It is those fond
memories that drive all of us that are involved in the
festival to ensure that it continues year after year.
The atmosphere here just seems to inspire collaboration
and inspiration. A lot of the songwriters are not household
names, but their songs are. It is impossible to list or
describe the songwriters, musicians and performers that
participate in this festival. It's a living museum, that's what
it is."
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