McIntosh nominated for 2015 Sunshine Awards Hall of Fame

Frankie McIntosh, musician, arranger, producer and teacher has been nominated for the 2015 Sunshine Awards Hall of Fame.

The Sunshine Awards Organization announced on August 5 that McIntosh will be inducted at the 27th Annual Sunshine Awards, scheduled for Saturday, October 3, at the AXA Equitable Center, 787 Seventh Avenue, at 51st Street in New York City.{{more}}

McIntosh, a national of St Vincent and the Grenadines holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Brooklyn College, New York and a master’s degree from New York University.

He has arranged for most popular calypso and soca artistes around the Caribbean, including Winston Soso and Alston “Becket” Cyrus (SVG), The Mighty Duke, The Mighty Sparrow, Calypso Rose, Johnny King, Explainer (Trinidad and Tobago), Arrow (Montserrat), Short Shirt and Obstinate (Antigua and Barbuda).

Research has revealed that since 1968, Frankie has produced and arranged over 2,500 songs. Frankie describes his music as the vehicle to sustain his continued growth in the various disciplines of life. He is forever studying the relationship between speech rhythms and melodic rhythms.

McIntosh has been described by Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves as a “Caribbean musical icon, who has rendered exceptional service as a musician, arranger and producer. He has unselfishly contributed his talents to mould and help develop younger Caribbean artistes. In fact, many Caribbean artistes soared to popularity because of Frankie and his talent…”

Dr Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool, who chairs the Sunshine Awards Nomination and Network Committee, said “Frankie is one of those Caribbean geniuses that we so often take for granted. As a Calypsonian on stage, if I happen to glimpse him as a musician in the band, I know that my calypso performance will reach close to perfection.”

The calypso king of the world, The Mighty Sparrow said, “Through my years as a performing artiste I have worked with many musicians and arrangers from around the world, including Frankie. But, Frankie’s unique style and approach for the task at hand puts him ahead of his time…”

Charles Dougherty, Jamaican saxophonist, sound writer, and music producer, said “I have known Frankie for over 30 years and his recognition and honour is well deserved. … He places great emphasis on quality and more importantly, he is always ready to contribute his talents to assist the less fortunate. I can attest to the fact that many Caribbean performing artistes skyrocketed to stardom because of Frankie’s unique and skillful arrangements and productions.”

The Sunshine Awards Organization’s mission is to recognize excellence in the performing arts, education, science and sports. The black tie event will begin with a cocktail reception at 5 p.m. followed by the presentation of awards and a live show. Tickets can be obtained on the SUNSHINE Awards website at www.sunshineawards.com or by calling 201-836-0799.