had a very, very bright future; but to be a part of something that he would co-own and help launch was his dream, particularly after hear- ing the rough demos of the Allman Brothers. He was proud of Capricorn’s success, having been a huge part of building it, although he was very modest about his integral role. He and Phil were not just partners, but great friends, more like brothers, and very much enjoyed working together and making what Capricorn became. I think the downfall of Capricorn was very
tough on Frank, although he was the most op- timistic person you could ever meet and was very good at not showing his concerns. I re- call Alan Walden saying, “Frank could make you believe there was sunshine when it was pouring outside”, which really says it all. I think the excesses of success along with the indulgences had an impact on Phil and Frank; they lost their hunger and drive, I believe, with the luxurious and comfortable life style they had attained; it was a true rags to riches story, and, along the way, I think they got out of touch and lost their edge. I also think they believed that their preferred style of music, southern style rock , would continue forever, without thinking or adapting to new music trends. And when they did, it was too late.
What did he do after Capricorn? Shortly after Capricorn folded, but still re-
taining his ownership in the label, Frank setup a Production company called Fast For- ward Productions with A&M Records through a guy named Jerry Moss, the Chairman of the label and the “M” in A & M; the first release was a band called The New Riders of the Pur- ple Sage, which had some success. Frank also setup a distribution and marketing deal with Polydor through his old friend, Freddy Hine, who was head of the label, to release an old Capricorn act, White Witch.
When did he pass away and from what? My father passed on July 21, 1983 at the
Capricorn studio, from a massive heart at- tack; he and Phil Walden were together with the Atlanta Rhythm Section. Frank had just secured a distribution deal with Warner Brother’s Mo Ostin, Chairman of the label; he was to fly out the next day to Los Angeles and sign the papers that would have revived Capricorn.
What are your fondest memories of Frank? Our Saturday and Sunday breakfast talks
and his fascinating, and often, funny stories about his life and his own philosophy of life and living. I learned a lot about life at that kitchen table.
What's the best thing you learned from him? There are many, but most importantly, his
love and passion for living life to the fullest and always seeing and bringing out the very best in others. He taught me to believe in my- self and that you can do anything you set your mind out to do.
What is the main thing you'd like for the history books to remember about Frank? I’d like for my father to be remembered as
a maverick and an innovator who played a significant role in Rock N Roll music history here, in the United States, and when he was abroad in England. •
Frank Fenter will be among the 2014 in- ductees into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame during the ceremony on Saturday, October 11 at the World Congress Center in Atlanta.
All photos courtesy Robin Duner Fenter.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72