Franke & The Knockouts - Franke & The Knockouts (1981)

Franke and the Knockouts was a short-lived band, formed in New Jersey, USA and fronted by singer/songwriter Franke Previte. They had released their self-titles debut album in 1981.

Best known for the smash hit “Sweetheart”, the melodic rock group also landed a minor hit with “You’re My Girl”. Other catchy standouts are “She’s a Runner”, “Don’t Stop”, and the Boston-esque “Tonight.

Led by singer Franke Previte, the New Brunswick, NJ, band Franke & the Knockouts scored several pop hits in the early ’80s. Previte, who had played in local bands since his teens, formed the group with guitarist Billy Elworthy in 1981 and they were quickly signed to Millennium Records. Rounding out the original quintet were keyboardist Blake Levinsohn, bassist Leigh Foxx, and drummer Claude LeHenaff. Their self-titled debut, which showcased their light pop/rock leanings, was a surprise success. Personnel changes would occur when LeHenaff left in late 1981 (future Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres would appear on their next couple albums) and keyboard player Tommy Ayers joined early the following year.

Track listing

01.  Come Back  (Franke Previte, Billy Elworthy)  - 4:02

02.  Sweetheart  (Franke Previte, Billy Elworthy)  - 4:11

03.  She's A Runner  (Franke Previte, Blake Levinsohn)  - 4:07

04.  You're My Girl  (Franke Previte, Benny Harrison, Billy Elworthy)  - 3:05

05.  One For All  (Franke Previte)  - 3:11

06.  Tonight  (Franke Previte, Blake Levinsohn)  - 3:46

07.  Running Into The Night  (Franke Previte, Friedson)  - 3:44

08.  Tell Me Why  (Franke Previte, Blake Levinsohn)  - 3:47

09.  Annie Goes Hollywood  (Franke Previte, Benny Harrison)  - 4:09

10.  Don't Stop  (Franke Previte, Blake Levinsohn)  - 3:04

11.  (I've Had) The Time Of My Life  (F. Previte, J. DeNicola, D. Markowitz)  (Bonus Track)  - 5:22

Released:  1981

Recorded at:  Media Sound N.Y. C., The Village Recorder, LA

Label:  Millennium

Genre:  Rock

Length:  42:34

Producer:  Steve Verroca

Mixed by:  Warren Dewey

All Arrangements by:  Franke And The Knockouts

Personnel

Franke Previte - Lead vocal
Billy Elworthy - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Blake Levinsohn - Keyboards
Leigh Fox - Bass
Claude LeHenaff - Drums
Tommy Ayers - Synthesizers, Organ, Background vocals
Charlie Dominici - Background vocals
Jimmy Maelen - Percussion
Brooklyn Dreams (Joe Esposito, Eddie Hokenson & Bruce Sudano) - Background vocals