2006 Obit: Frank McCall, Liverpool singer

Subject: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP
From: GUEST,Fred McCormick
Date: 13 Aug 06 - 05:11 AM

I doubt that many posters to this site would recognise the name Frank McCall from Bootle, Liverpool. However, this message is for anyone who knew him and may not hear through the usual channels.

Frank, whom Sara Grey recently described to me as the most underrated singer in England, died peacefully in hospital yesterday at around 3pm.

The cause of his death is not known, but Frank had suffered a series of strokes over the past few years which left him wheelchair bound and increasingly helpless. It seems likely that one more stroke simply broke the camel's back.

If there is anyone out there who would like to know the funeral arrangements, or would like me to pass on their condolences to his widow, Helen, would they please email me direct on [e-mail] .

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 13 Aug 06 - 02:06 PM

Frank was a member in the late 60s, of a trio with John Cornett and John Davies - The King's Shilling, which was a member of the resident panel at the Bothy Folksong Club in Southport. He was also a leading light in the vibrant 70s Liverpool Folk community, centered around the Customs House pub in the Canning Place area of the city. These 2 institutions were responsible for an involvement for me, that has become a way of life and Frank's knowledge of, and innate feeling for traditional song were a touchstone. I well remember a Whitby Festival workshop when he left the Rev. Ken Loveless in no doubt of his feelings regarding qualifications for public performance, and his ability to punctuate shanties with the occasional high-kick struck a chord with Stan Hugill! We were together, briefly, in the initial line-up of Stormalong John.
Above all he simply was a fine singer and knew so many superb songs - an hour spent in his company, and what good company, was an hour not wasted. Jean and I had that last hour 3 weeks ago in West Kirby, enjoying sunshine, a beer and a song together. Our time and our times together, are treasured.

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP
From: LesB
Date: 13 Aug 06 - 02:08 PM

I first came across Frank in about 1969 when he was a member of 'Kings Shilling', who had just become resident group at Southport's Bothy Folk Club. He had a unique singing style and wide range of material to bring to the group. He was also very active in those days in the Liverpool folk music scene.
I had only seen him once or twice in the intervening years and was aware of his condition. I'm sure he will be remembered with affection by those who knew him.
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP
From: GUEST,Joe Moran
Date: 13 Aug 06 - 02:12 PM

I knew Frank from his days at the Bothy. He was a very interesting singer, and far too young to leave us.

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP
From: GUEST,Frank Sellors
Date: 13 Aug 06 - 04:09 PM

I, too, knew Frank from his days at the Bothy. Interestingly, the Bothy have just released a dvd of their 21st birthday celebrations in 1986, and Frank appears on it along with the other members of The King's Shilling. Frank was indeed a nice chap and a very fine singer.

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP
From: Jim I
Date: 13 Aug 06 - 05:08 PM

Is this the same Frank (with Helen) who used to sing, mainly shanties, at the Baltic Fleet back when?

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP (Aug 2006)
From: GUEST,Fred McCormick
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 04:38 AM

Hi Jim,

The very same. Mid 1980s. Happy days.

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP (Aug 2006)
From: Jim I
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 05:33 PM

One of the nicest men I ever met in the folk scene. No side to him, at all. Although I haven't seen him in quite a few years I still feel devastated that he's gone.

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP (Aug 2006)
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 03:13 AM

Frank's Memorial Service and Remembrance will be at West Kirby Methodist Church, corner of Westbourne Road and North Road, and not at all far from West Kirby station, next Tuesday (22nd) at noon. Donations to Macmillan Nurses. Helen would love to see as many persons there, as are able to get along. Some of us are at Whitby Festival and will be unable to make it back. Consequently there will be a lifting of glasses, reminiscences, and a song or two in the 'Elsinore' Flowergate - assemble at the same time.

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP (Aug 2006)
From: GUEST,Jack Coutts
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 04:23 PM

Frank was a wonderful man. I was lucky to have known Frank on the Liverpool folk scene from the late 70s onwards, as a co-member of Stormalong John, as co-resident of the Magazine Folk Club and hilariously as co-member of the Magazine Mummers - Frank played the doctor with much theatricality and fun.
We had some excellent times together and I will never cease to admire his joy of songs and singing. I owe him a great debt for inspiring my own faltering interest in folk song in its many forms. My own kids remember with fondness our shared exploits performing in Brittany and Germany, especially Franks's rendition of the Monty Python "Galaxy Song".
The man was unique, a huge contributor to the Merseyside folk scene and a terrific human being. The world, as they say, is a sadder place without him. Rootin' tootin'.   
Jack

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP (Aug 2006)
From: GUEST,Pat Wilson
Date: 24 Aug 06 - 02:43 PM

I was a co-resident of the Magazine Folk Club with both Frank and Helen McCall in the 80's and 90's.
He was unique. I never heard him say a cruel word about anyone and his sense of humour was both gentle and astute. He was a great pleasure to work with and a privelege to know. After a rousing chorus number he would often say "Well sung club!"
I was at his memorial service yesterday and I hope he would be saying"Well sung church!"
My thoughts and prayers are with Helen and Kathryn at this time.
I will stop now as Frank would be the last person to approve of cliches!
Pat (and Ranting Sleazos!)

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP (Aug 2006)
From: GUEST,banjoman9
Date: 25 Aug 06 - 07:00 AM

My wife (Maggie Bowers) & I knew frank well in Liverpool in the late sixties & early seventies & he was often a guest at the Old Fort in Prescott Street. We were regulars at the Custom House & always looked to Frank to lead off the sessions.I think that at one time he formed a group with John Kelly called the Wakes, and it was a standing joke to ask him "Are you awake"
Although we now live at the other end of the country, we still have a lot of contact with John who was a member of Kings Shilling with him and know he would wish us to pass on condolences.
Frank was a great guy and will be missed.
Condolences to his family

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP (Aug 2006)
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Aug 06 - 08:22 AM

A group of us used to hold an informal session in the 43 Club, at 43 Catherine Street, Liverpool around 1968. On one occasion glorious music was heard from upstairs. It was the King's Shilling rehearsing -the joined us later and I seem to remember 30 Foot Trailer in 3 parts, they were more than a bit good.

Enjoyed Frank, his company and his music, at most of the places mentioned above - not least the Elsonore. Not much else to be said, he had great love and respect for the music and he was a kind and friendly man.

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP (Aug 2006)
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Aug 06 - 08:54 AM

A group of us used to hold an informal session in the 43 Club, at 43 Catherine Street, Liverpool around 1968. On one occasion glorious music was heard from upstairs. It was the King's Shilling rehearsing -the joined us later and I seem to remember 30 Foot Trailer in 3 parts, they were more than a bit good.

Enjoyed Frank, his company and his music, at most of the places mentioned above - not least the Elsonore. Not much else to be said, he had great love and respect for the music and he was a kind and friendly man.

Sorry, I forgot to mention I am Les in Chorlton at work.

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP (Aug 2006)
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 25 Aug 06 - 09:00 AM

I just want to say many thanks to all the people who've paid tribute to Frank on this page. I printed off the ones which had appeared in time for Frank's funeral, and passed them on to his widow, Helen. Some of them in fact were read out during the service. I'll print the rest off, plus any more which are posted, and pass them on to her also.

Helen was very moved by the tributes, and by the fact that so many people remembered Frank, to say nothing of the huge number of people who turned out for the funeral. I can't help thinking it was just as well it was held over Whitby week, otherwise we might have had to hire Liverpool Cathedral!

I'd also like to thank all the people who held their own celebration in the Elsinore at Whitby. Here's hoping you had a damned good sing, because that is exactly what he would have wanted. In fact, those of us who used to sing it with Frank in the old days, made a point of testing the rafters of West Kirby Methodist Church almost to breaking point with Down in the Valley to pray.

I don't know whether anyone in the Elsinore thought of that one, but what a marvellous coincidence it would have been if both groups had happened to be singing it simultaneously.

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP (Aug 2006)
From: Xenopus
Date: 26 Aug 06 - 01:52 PM

I new Frank from the late sixties until I left Liverpool in 1977 but met up with him many times latter at Whitby Folk week. He was a superb singer and a real gentleman always willing to listen to what you had to say and give advice and encouragement. I used to be involved with the running of Adrian House in Alexandra drive and the Kings Shilling were one of our regular supporters. I didn't know of Frank's death until Clive & Jean told me here at Whitby. I went to the memorial at the Elsinore and to answer an earlier poster we did sing "Down in The Valley to Pray" lead by Clive. I wanted to sing the "Greenland Whale Fishery", which I learnt from Fank at the Maritime session following the memorial at the Elsinore but Jim Mageean sang at the start of the session - anyway I doubt if I could have got through it without breaking up. BTW Sara was at the Elsinore and repested her statement that she thought Frank was the most underrated singer in England and I for one would agree.

Keith Myers

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP (Aug 2006)
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 26 Aug 06 - 02:07 PM

I'm glad to hear that Down in the Valley to Pray made it to both sessions. I'm glad that Sara made it to the Elsinore as well. She thought the world of Frank and understandably so.

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP (Aug 2006)
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 29 Aug 06 - 07:13 AM

Exactly a week ago in Whitby,(it's noon as I write) as has been detailed already, Frank was remembered by a quite substantial number of us, unable to get back over to the 'right'(!) side of the country in time. We had a tape of his singing over the Elsinore's sound system and some songs and reminiscences from many present. "Intensely moving" doesn't even begin to describe things, as you'd expect. Sara & Kieron sang, the Coutts juniors recalled growing up in a shanty environment, Alistair Anderson played, and Peter Wood said the thing he'll most recall is the way only Frank could phrase "Liverpool Pat in 'is tarpaulin' 'at" from 'Leave Her Johnny.' We passed a card round which Helen will get from Jean shortly. There are plans afoot for a 'Frank Night' in Liverpool next month, and I'll post more on that when plans firm up.

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP (Aug 2006)
From: GUEST,David Garner
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 05:13 PM

I knew Frank when we were both students at the City of Liverpool College of Higher Education. I was a rather green and gauche young guy, but Frank took me under his wing and we became firm friends.

Frank and Helen loved folk music and were great hosts. I remember their house in New Brighton with its imperious and feisty moggie (Queen Mab) The wine (home made) flowed freely and we had a lot of fun on very little.

I heard about Frank's health problems when I was back in Liverpool in 2005. It was a shock, because the man I remember was full of life with a bone-dry Liverpool wit. Frank was an accomplished guitarist too.

He's gone but not forgotten. I am hundreds of miles away, but still invite people to 'pull up a cactus' - a classic Frank phrase!

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP (Aug 2006)
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 01 Sep 11 - 05:37 AM

Hi David,

Thanks for the memories. I've passed your message on to Helen, who is still a grand woman for feisty moggies :-). It will mean a lot to her.

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP (Aug 2006)
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 02 Sep 11 - 09:31 AM

To Dave Garner, or anyone else who can reach him. Helen would like to get in touch. If you can PM me or email me on [e-mail], I'll be glad to pass the details on.

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP (Aug 2006)
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Dec 23 - 04:39 PM

After a long phone call with my old mate Irene Freguson of the Green Moose , I was diverted to this page again to think about Frank. My memories of Frank began when I worked as a teenager in Nigerian National Shipping Line in1966 and we were able, as employees of a shipping company to have lunch at the Mersey Mission to Seamen's restaurant ( very swish) in Water Street, facing onto the Strand, There myself and an older work colleague, Hilda Bayliss, who was about 43, would do the Daily Mirror Crossword and after a few weeks we discovered that the table of lads who worked for another shipping company( I think it was Elder Dempster's) were also doing the same crossy, a good way down the resatuarant. We became competitors and whichever table finished first would raise a hand to give the signal. Frank was one of those, wearing a smart suit and a bootlace tie, a flicked back quiff of blonde hair, and very funny apparently; but we did not introduce each other to each. In 1968 I left to work in Liechtenstein and returned in November. I was back in time for the wedding of my close friend Margaret Hughes to someone I did not know. Recognised his face but could not quite remember who he was...it was Frank. By that time he had joined the crowd of Green Moose folkies I had left behind for a while and after that we were close friends. As we were when Helen and Frank got together after he and Margaret realised that that marriage was not right for them. How we loved Frank! Rootin Tootin Frank and INGOESYOUrEYEOIUT. We still say in our house 60 years later!! And we remember Frank, his singing and his voice and wit with lovexxx The motorbike, the weeks spent sharing a flat with our kids in Whitby and the early days in the Victoria Shanty Club and the Customs House. We all got further educated as mature students later and all of us Margaret and Keith Bakx, who was best man at Maggies Wedding to FRANK AND LATER MARRIED HER(RIP BOTH) came academics at various levels. Bring back the times when people could get an education for more or less free and gave back everything to their communities. All of us gave back, culturally, and in terms of education to others.xxx Patty O'Boyle and Jim O'Boyle

Subject: RE: Obit: Frank McCall, RIP (Aug 2006)
From: GUEST,Dr Alan Corkish
Date: 25 Apr 24 - 09:41 AM

An old friend sparked a memory of our days at Central College doing O and A leveles as mature student and Frank's name come up with the usual; 'Wonder what happened to him?' This may not be read by anyone now; 18yrs after his death, but my friend and I remembered Frank with deep respect; he was a gentle-man, passionate about his English Lit and his singing... I have a vague memory of a grroup called 'Old Rope' but it's a long time ago and I could be wrong. I live in Bootle now, where Frank was born... it is so terribly sad that he left us so early. RIP my dear dear fellow student...

Subject: RE: 2006 Obit: Frank McCall, Liverpool singer
From: GUEST,Keith Price
Date: 25 Apr 24 - 01:05 PM

Hello Alan.
Frank was in 'Kings Shilling' in the late 1960's with John Cornett and John Davis. He then formed The Wakes with John Kelly and Tom Brown.
Old Rope consisted of Ted Barwise, Ken Dunlop and myself, but we were all good friends
Frank and I were in the Shanty group, 'Stormalong John' together, formed in 1984, to play at Maritime Festivals.
He's still very much missed by all of us who were around at that time.
RIP Frank.

Subject: RE: 2006 Obit: Frank McCall, Liverpool singer
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 25 Apr 24 - 05:07 PM

Hi Alan. I will pass on your message to Frank's widow, Helen, and his daughter Katherine. I was singing with them in West Kirby earlier this week, and again this afternoon in a zoom singaround where we paid tribute to another Liverpool singer, Christy MacHale, who died last week.
Matthew