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Frank Mullen has been a constant on the jazz guitar scene since the 1940s. He has played with such jazz
greats as Wes Montgomery, Charlie Byrd, Larry Elgart, Herb Ellis, John Hartman Dick Meldonian,
and Les Elgart, and has performed with many entertainers such as Sammy Davis, Jr., Eddie Fisher,
Tennessee Ernie Ford, Sergio Franchi, Marvin Gaye, Bob Hope, Tom Jones, Horace Heidt, Carol
Lawrence, Ed McMahan, Sandler and Young, Rip Taylor, Tony Martin, Julie Andrews, Steve Allen,
Barbara McNair, Bobby Rydell, Bill Conti, and Skitch Henderson.
Born in 1930 in Washington D.C., he became interested in guitar at 10. His first lessons were from
Kunza, then from Billy Gibson (the first call guitarist for the DC area WRC). Frank formed a big band
when he was 13. After he broke up that band 6 years later, he worked throughout
the DC area with various groups.
In 1953, Frank began taking lessons from Sophocles Papas. He, along with Charlie Byrd and Bill Harris,
was in a select group of jazz guitarists that began to explore the classical guitar as a jazz
instrument. Frank studied with Sophocles for 5 years. He then began teaching at Sophocles Papas
Guitar Shop, which he did for 13 years. During this time Frank continued to work in studios, play
out and form guitar ensemble labs. In 1970, Frank moved to Florida. He instituted the entire
guitar program including private lessons and large guitar ensembles at St. Pete. College.
Classes included applied theory, applied harmony, and arranging for ensembles and solo guitar.
He also began his longtime association with the big band "New Yorkers".
Sadly, Frank passed away June 5, 2009. He will be remembered by his family and students.
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Released CD
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Dues Paid in Full (1983)
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