Archie Francis

Dale Bennett · Post by **Dale Bennett** » 28 Jan 2010 1:56 pm

I is with saddness that i have to tell you that my great friend Archie Francis passed away this morn 1:30 am Ca time.
Al Bruno called me a few minutes ago and gave me the sad news.Archie had told his daughter he was ready to go, but that still dosen't keep me from hurting. Archie, Al, Clyde Griffin, Jay Dee Maness and me were all like brothers and anyone that knew Archie knows what i'm saying. God Bless you Archie, i loved you. db

Billy Tonnesen · Post by **Billy Tonnesen** » 28 Jan 2010 2:05 pm

I am so sad we have lost Archie. He was a very special person. I worked a lot of great gigs with Archie along with Harvey Walker and Danny Michaels.

LJ Eiffert · Post by **LJ Eiffert** » 28 Jan 2010 2:34 pm

He sure will be missed by us all out here.RIP Good friend and a great neighborhooh history drummer, Mr. Archie Francis.

Leo J.Eiffert,Jr.& Family

Jim Eaton · Post by **Jim Eaton** » 28 Jan 2010 3:53 pm

Archie was a very special person and his passing is a loss for everyone that ever knew him.
RIP.
JE

Skip Edwards · Post by **Skip Edwards** » 28 Jan 2010 8:30 pm

This is just too sad.
Jim, you said it all.

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 29 Jan 2010 12:53 am

sad news indeed
My sincere condolences go to Archies family & friends
Rest in Peace Archie
Your tunes will live on

Jerry Hayes · Post by **Jerry Hayes** » 29 Jan 2010 4:12 am

I'm really bummed to hear this. I knew Archie and respected his musical ability a bunch. In the SoCal music scene he was the "MAN" when you spoke of drummers, head and shoulders above the rest! RIP Archie...........JH in Va.

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 29 Jan 2010 9:47 am

I can only day "ditto" to everybody else's comments.

Stephan Franck · Post by **Stephan Franck** » 29 Jan 2010 10:49 am

Although we knew it was coming, it's really hard to actually process the idea that Archie's no longer with us.

A lot of you guys have known Archie for decades. I only met him 4 years ago, thanks to Al Vescovo, who introduced us. But in those short four years, not only did we do something like 100 jobs, and produced an album of his original material, but more importantly, he became family. Yesterday night, my kids, who loved Archie, kept asking me to play his songs, and were recounting their own Archie stories.

What's funny is that when I met Archie, his drumming career was already behind him, and although I fully understand his accomplishments in that area, I can't help but to always think of him as Archie the songwriter. And I do think that it's really remarkable that after the drumming, and past the fun "corny" stuff, Archie was able to reinvent himself as such a honest and an amazing artist in his own right.

On his death bed, his only regret was not to have the time to make another CD, as he had so much new material already written, and more already in mind. Just before we said goodbye, he suddenly said he had an idea for a song, and told me to write it down in his book -- for later. The song idea was: "It's not fun when you can't do what you used to do." At the end of the day, I think that's why I love Archie's songs. Because they all came from truth and real emotions. There was nothing fake about Archie. Another thing he told me early on is "If you get to be my age and you don't know who you are, you have not been paying attention." Pure Archie, and words to live by.

Dale, Archie talked about you and about the era you mentioned constantly as one of the highlights of his life and career, but you don't need me to tell you that.

Dale Bennett · Post by **Dale Bennett** » 29 Jan 2010 2:45 pm

Thanks Steve for telling me that. For me it was the best memories i have of my life. I shall miss him very much. Thanks again. db

John McClung · Post by **John McClung** » 29 Jan 2010 5:52 pm

I just learned of this sad event from Clarke Rohn, via Jerry Hayes, guess there's a remnant of grapevine left still.

I only met him a couple of times through Stephan, but he was a neat guy, and a legend in these parts, of course.

Anyone know if the celebration of Archie will still go on as planned on Feb. 6 at Joe's Bar in Burbank?

Stephan Franck · Post by **Stephan Franck** » 29 Jan 2010 5:56 pm

Thanks, Dale. John, yes, it's still on. They're thinking of it as a tribute, now.

Frederic Mabrut · Post by **Frederic Mabrut** » 30 Jan 2010 1:06 am

Very sad news indeed. I own Archie's CD. It is great stuff. I gladly would have listened to a second one.

John McClung · Post by **John McClung** » 30 Jan 2010 11:16 am

Stephan, will the memorial be an open jam session as well?

Stephan Franck · Post by **Stephan Franck** » 30 Jan 2010 12:01 pm

I think so -- you should talk to Carmine Sardo, he's organizing the event.

Btw, 88.5 FM is playing archie's album as I type.

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 30 Jan 2010 1:14 pm

I just spoke to Carmine. He doesn't know whether or not there will be an open jam. He suggested that I put my guitar in the trunk of the car and see what happens.

Since it's uncertain whether or not we will get a chance to play, rather than pack up my steel and amp and paca-seat, I may just bring a 6 string. (I haven't touched a 6 string in years. I hope I can still play one.)

Boo Bernstein · Post by **Boo Bernstein** » 30 Jan 2010 3:14 pm

I got the call about Archie yesterday. Very sad. In addition to the loss of a warm, kind, and mentoring individual (the world could certainly use more Archies), we have also lost an important part of California's country music heritage.

Deep condolences go out to his family. I look forward to celebrating his life with lots of old friends next weekend.

Boo

Skeeter Stultz · Post by **Skeeter Stultz** » 31 Jan 2010 12:51 pm

Rest in peace Archie. Had some fun times. Those were the days my friend, We thought they'd never end.

Skeeter

Harley Morris · Post by **Harley Morris** » 27 Apr 2010 11:07 pm

I was going thru some things on 'The Forum' tonight and saw the post about Archie. Sad indeed. Archie played drums with us on a tour with Hank Thompson back in 1990. Members were: Paul Marshall on bass, Al Parrett on steel, myself & Oscar Whittington on fiddles, and of course Archie. Great tour and alot of memories.

Harley Morris
Riverside, Calif.

Jerry Hayes · Post by **Jerry Hayes** » 29 Apr 2010 2:02 am

Here's a shot of Archie singing with us at the old Foothill Club about 1979 or so with Carl? on bass and Forumite Jim Bob Sedgwick playing my old red Gibson......JH in Va.

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 29 Apr 2010 7:27 pm

Archie, Garland Frady, Norm Kastner on lead guitar, yours truly, and I don't remember the other two fellows. June, 1972 at MacArthur Park, downtown LA.

Okay, Archie. See ya down the road.