Joe L. Frank

Born in Mt. Rozell, Al., in 1900, Joe L. Frank was a promoter and manager who launched the careers of some of the biggest names in country music.

He created the singing cowboy with the career of Gene Autry, and developed acts such as Roy Acuff, Eddy Arnold, Ernest Tubb and Minnie Pearl by combining radio broadcasts with personal appearances.

As a songwriter, Frank wrote "Chapel on the Hill," "Sundown and Sorrow," and "My Main Trail Is Yet To Come." Frank became ill during a business trip to Chicago and died May 4, 1952, while at the peak of his career.

Frank is the 1989 John Herbert Orr Pioneer Award recipient.