Before I started this blog, I posted about songs from old AT40s on Facebook, January-July 2017. I’ll be moving them here over time. This entry has been edited somewhat from the original.
They had a name–Franke and the Knockouts–that made you think they might be an early 60s doo-wop group. Their sound, though, was very much contemporary pop. They charted two other times but their time in the sun went by pretty quickly, and they don’t get much airplay on 80s stations. I don’t think I realized until I was writing this that leader Franke Previte co-wrote the Oscar-winning song “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing (as well as “Hungry Eyes”).
I look back on April and May of 81 with great fondness and I imagine I’ll write about that period at greater length someday. Two particular memories that stand out are attending the state FBLA conference in Louisville and having some success in the 4 x 200 relay at track meets with teammates Daryl, Danny, and Chris. There are plenty of songs I associate with those fun and happy weeks; this was among my very favorites. “Sweetheart,” the #12 tune in this countdown, peaked at #10 soon afterward.
The Music of My Life 
And once again, I feel obliged to mention that the drummer for these guys was none other than Tico Torres, who moved to a gig with Bon Jovi shortly thereafter. I saw F&KO at the Tennessee Theater in Nashville, opening for April Wine. Though I’m not a big Bon Jovi fan, I think TT made a wise career move.
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