 Joe’s professional singing career began in 1982, when among
other engagements he opened for the famed comedian Henny Youngman. His rich and
flexible baritone voice led him to tour extensively, performing throughout the
US, Europe and Japan, sometimes playing in front of audiences of up to 40,000.
In 1986 Joe decided to leave the Glenn Miller Orchestra and concentrate on
developing a solo career, immediately earning praise from such celebrities as
Jack Jones, Larry Hagman, and Miss Rosemary Clooney.
“Joe Francis is that rare breed – a singer with a voice that is good to the ear.
It can swing and reach out and touch you.” - Mel Torme
Later in the decade Joe was championed in the UK by the Sinatra Music Society.
Award-winning producer Ken Barnes (who worked with some of the best, including
Peggy Lee, Bing Crosby and Jack Jones) was brought in to work with Joe. A very
highly regarded debut album ‘Every Step of the Way” followed (with Pete Moore’s
Orchestra) for RCA. This album was very successful and still hits the turntables
today.
Here is a star if ever I saw one. His vocal tone is quite breathtaking. Joe just
doesn’t sing a song he tells a story.” - Ken Barnes
Drawing on the Great American Songbook, Francis has a distinctive intonation and
impeccable delivery. Following the success of “Every Step of the Way” Francis
enjoyed great success both sides of the Atlantic appearing on BBC Television
with the BBC Big Band (conducted by Jack Parnell). He also appeared at a number
of venues with the marvelous Spike Robinson quartet. “Spike was amazing to work
with. He was such a lyrical saxophonist whose knowledge of songs was staggering”
Francis commented at the time.
“The Exception to the Rule”- Desmond Carrington BBC Radio 2
Throughout the 1990’s further successful tours followed both in his native US
and Europe, which included the Wigan Jazz Festival in the UK. With a young
family to support Francis kept his regular work to the local vicinity of New
York/New Jersey such as gigs with the highly respected Tony Corbiscello
orchestra, doing regular stints including New York’s prestigious Rainbow Room.
“A Fine, Fine Singer”- BBC’s Bill Buckley
In late 2004 Francis signed with a new international management team, Damone
Management Group, Inc. headed by Perry Damone, son of legendary singer Vic
Damone. “I was so impressed by Joe’s sheer professionalism and marvelous
attitude,” commented Damone.
A near perfect performance, astonishingly good looks…the timbre of Crosby and
phrasing ability of Sinatra” - Sheila Tracy, THE STAGE February 2005
Recently Francis did a tribute to another Francis, one Francis Albert Sinatra,
at the Bardavon Opera House in New York. Then, following a very successful UK
tour in early 2005 and a successful new CD release “Easy to Remember”, Francis
is currently being considered for a leading role in one of UK’s top West End
musicals.
At last, a new CD from Joe Francis, one of the all time great singers….
The best ever performance of “Time After Time” - “Music Man” Lee Stevens, The
BBC Disk Detective May 2005
|
