His granddaughter Kai gave us a wonderful image of Frankie as a grandfather and a loving presence in his family. Norma talked to us about Frankie's early days as a dancer, leader of Whitey's Lindy Hoppers and apparently strict taskmaster to the other dancers. It was great getting this full spectrum picture of a man who lived such a rich and fascinating life. The ceremony was presided over the the Reverend Calvin Butts of the Abyssinian Baptist Church, and featured short remembrances by various folks who were close to Frankie. I guess it takes sad events like this to draw together folks who rarely assemble in one place. So many old and new friends were there, including my first dance partner Nina, some of my first swing instructors like Paul Grecki and Bill Kline, many 'retired' lindy hoppers, and many swing celebrities like Norma Miller, Dawn Hampton, Steven Mitchell, Erin Stevens, Sylvia Sykes, Callede, W, and several other Rhythm Hot Shots from Sweden, Simon Selman from London, and many, many more familiar faces.

And at the front of the altar there was the body of Frankie, lying in state, looking so peaceful and at rest. I saw assembled in the small chapel hundreds of friends, family and fans of Frankie from all over the US, and even a few from as far away as Sweden and the UK. Today, we laid Frankie Manning in his final resting place.Īs I entered the Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church in Harlem, I was greeted by the powerful sound of the full Harlem Renaissance Orchestra playing on stage. Today I was fortunate enough to participate in the most swingin' funeral I have ever attended.

Erin stevens lindy hop