Frank Assunto

Frank Assunto (January 29, 1932 — February 25, 1974) was an American bandleader and trumpeter. One of the finest trad-style trumpeters of the 1950s and '60s, he led his band the Dukes of Dixieland throughout most of his life.

Frank Assunto was born Frank Joseph Assunto on January 29, 1932, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His father, Jacob A. Assunto (1905-1985), played banjo and trombone, while his brother, Fred Assunto, (1929-1966) was a trombonist. In addition, two sisters grew up playing woodwinds.

Growing up in a musical family, Assunto got his start in music at an early age. In high school, he led the Basin Street Four, (or sometimes Five or Six, depending on how many musicians were needed), with his brother, Fred, on trombone.

In January 1949, the brothers formed the Dukes of Dixieland to play at a Horace Heidt talent show. (The ensemble was initially known as Junior Dixie Band.) After winning the contest, the Dukes toured with Heidt for a few weeks. They soon started working regularly in New Orleans, replacing trumpeter Sharkey Bonano's band at the Famous Door for a very successful 44-month run that gave them their initial fame.

The Dukes recorded for Band Wagon, Imperial, and Okeh labels during 1951—53. On a Vik album in 1955, the two brothers were joined in the frontline by celebrated clarinetist Pete Fountain. Their father, Jac Assunto, also joined the band later that year on banjo and second trombone.

The Dukes really gained stardom when they recorded 14 albums during 1956—59 for the Audio Fidelity label, including two in which they collaborated very well with Louis Armstrong. By then, they were one of the best-known Dixieland bands in the United States.

In 1959, clarinetist Jerry Fuller joined their band. With a stable line-up and growing popularity, they signed with Columbia in 1961 and started using fairly modern rhythm sections, which included pianist Gene Schroeder (formerly with Eddie Condon), Jim Hall or Herb Ellis on guitar, bassist Jim Atlas, and drummer Charlie Lodice. Their six records for Columbia during 1961—64 were the finest of their career.

In 1964, the band toured Japan.

In 1965, Frank's brother Fred was stricken with cancer and had to drop out, passing away the following year at the age of 36.

Dukes of Dixieland's later records for Decca and Coral (1965—66) tend to be filled with overly brief (two- to three-minute) renditions of lightweight songs. There were no further recordings after 1966, but Assunto kept the Dukes working for a time.

Assunto was married to Joan Bartet (1933–1978).

Assunto also had cancer and passed away on February 25, 1974, at the age of 42.