02/09/2022
Next in our series celebrating is the renowned singer/songwriting legend FRANK PENN (1941-2009).
Frank Penn was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas but in his mid 20's he relocated to Grand Bahama Island where he built his home in the settlement of Holmes Rock.
He was the pioneer behind the promoting of Bahamian music and was the first black Bahamian to own a recording studio in the Bahamas, GBI Recording Studios.
He created the concept of B.U.S.H. music which stands for Bahamians United Sharing Hometown music and fought tirelessly for the recognition of Bahamian recording artists within his country. He was instrumental in creating the Bahamas' very own "Grammy awards" in the 1970's known as MMOYA (Music Maker of the Year Awards).
His music, though often seen as controversial, spoke to many cultural issues. In 1973 his original song "Where Ya Gonna Go Next Year" was used by the Bahamas Tourism Board to promote tourism and travel to the Bahamas:
"Black is beautiful, white is nice, to have a world of peace is to have black and white getting along together."
Frank Penn truly loved all things Bahamian. He was a visionary ahead of his time and dedicated most of his life to Bahamian arts through music and theater. His legacy touches the hearts of both young and old and his music continues to inspire and uplift 13 years after his passing.
I am very grateful to Frank's daughter, Denika Penn-Carothers for her help in putting together this article about her beloved father.
You can hear some of Frank's early music here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owEGN7yqaHQ
and learn more about him here: https://www.facebook.com/frankpenngbirrecording
