I had the pleasure of hanging out with Frankie one on one, we both work at the Post Office, ( I was a letter carrier) we both were Lindy instructors. He was a gentle soul, with a BIG heart. He had a wonderful contagious smile, he told me stories of what is was like at the Savoy....I could see in his eyes when he talk about it that he had the time of his life. I miss him Bcuz,..... to me,.... Frankie was like grandfather who had passed on his joy of life & dance, not only 2 me, but the world.
That man was a real kick. I did two workshops taught by Frankie -- one when he was in his 80s, and one when he was in his 90s. My favorite bit of dancing advice for the guys (from Frankie): "For the next three minutes, you love that girl."
Amazing . . . Frankie Manning. Into his 80's he could lead a dance workshop all day and into the night. We would be tired and he would keep going. His laughter and attitude would keep you smiling all day. He was so low key, yet had all the moves. He even remarked that just because you have all these moves, you don't want to use them all at once. Do the basics, feel the rhythm with your partner and add the cool moves sparingly. Keep the surprises for when your partner least expects them . . .he says with a laugh. He was the coolest cat in town!
Now Feb 2018......Frankie mentioned 1917.......My mom was born in 1917 New Orleans La....She just made her 101 birthday......Until about a 2 months ago I danced in the kitchen with her everyday.. I would often show her on UA-cam "Hellzapoppin" Lindy Hop fast/wild dancing video.... She would grab the tablet ( like she understood how to operate a tablet ?!?!) removed it out of my hand ,watched the video,tapped her feet, shaked her head to the music with the biggest smile on her face ......She has Althzeimers but still loves the music now only to lay in her bed and listen clap,sing and hum.....even in her sleep......So beautiful to be able see the past in all it's glory....Check out silent video called "Black People Dancing 1914 ".....Priceless !!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!! for these memories Mr Frankie !!!!!!
I just have so much love for this man. Didn't start dancing until 4 years after he died, and even though I never met him, I owe him more than words or worlds can possibly describe. Thank you.
I just admire this man so much. It's unfortunate that he had to basically give up his love of dancing for awhile to work at the post office. I'm so happy for him that he was able to start teaching all over. His spirit lives on. I will never think of dancing again without thinking of him. Lindy is my 80yr old mom's favorite dance as well. Thank you Frankie for your spirit and kind gentleman manner in which you lived a great life!
I was lucky enough to take a dance class with Frankie back in the 90's and listened to him speak afterward. Well into his 80's and full of life. I do believe he was happiest making other people have fun on the dance floor. He was also the choreographer for Malcom X. According to him Denzel Washington is an excellent dancer, but Spike Lee not so much. Glad I got to see a real legend.
Nobody had a smile that could light up a room quite like Frankie's did. That energy of his wasn't just warm, it was infectious and inspiring. Dancing with him is one of my most cherished memories.
Frankie Manning is pure energy! Pure joyful energy! Where he is now (you guessed it!), boy, will they be dancing up a storm. "Can´t you sleep, Frankie?" "No, sir, I can´t."
I was pleased to see that Google had done a doodle for Mr. Manning. His influence was profound. I always wanted to meet him but never got the chance. Thank you for posting this tribute video.
see how he danced and how he smiled when he was dancing, he really loved what he was doing! I feel happy for him to had a happy life like this :) happy birthday, Frankie! we love you!
Fantastic tribute, and great historical clips! What a beautiful artist and man. I can't imagine what kind of miserable wretch would give this a thumbs down....
Much respect to this man and all those who danced with him and trained under him. Google did their thing when they animated him and brought this man's legacy to light. In this day where segregation seems to be rearing it's head again, thus dude was all about bringing folks together. Powerful
Wow, what a great, mini-doc, thanks @Google for the Doodle update, which linked to this man's legacy. Never heard of Frankie Manning, or the term "Lindy Hop" but, I've always knew about the cotton clubs & chitlin circuits, and always admired the art, music & culture born out of this era.
Fantastic. A rich legacy. I actually gasped with the moves in his heyday (wow! pause. replay. WOW!). It must have been a sensation. I really enjoyed his "rediscovery" and his continued joy. How fulfilling it must have been to see how the Lindy has endured. Happy birthday, indeed! Great pick for Doodle.
I'm familiar with the term Lindy Hop from DWTS. It's a wonder that this part of black history isn't celebrated more. There is so much joy and energy in the faces of the dancers! He taught joy. Man, that cat could dance!
@Eleanor Ellis Very well put. I personally think it's better construed as American history for that reason. All Americans participated in it, and to focus on the black leaves out the white, even latin influences - just as we all realize already that focusing on the white would leave out the others.
Zzzzzzz.. The blacks are more interested in thug rap culture and entitlements than this stuff. Most Lindy hoppers these days are white kids who enjoy it.. It is what it is
yup me too. didn't know who Frankie Manning was before Google wished him a internet Happy Birthday! Frankie Manning is amazing and that smile beams out sunshine. I've always loved watching Lindy Hop and Swing dancing. But he is the ultimate. thanks for this awesome video.
I appreciate the the craft of so many dance styles before my time and this style by this Great man Frankie Manning is fun energetic and fast... dance on! ... as today we watch remember Frankie Manning
I just love this, I love dancing also but can't top this, when people say they can't dance I will say just listen and feel the beat, man I wish I could have met him.
Watching this and smiling. I consider it a privilege that I got to dance, dj, and even sign interpret for this great man before he died. RIP with much love from the Toronto Swing Dance Society.
Wonderful tribute. I just learned something along with my kids. We watched the video together and it was truly awesome to watch them learn about their heritage and how loving and humble Mr. Frankie Manning was with his dancing.
Love this! I’m a ballroom dancer, rock n roll, modern jiver and disco… but this type of dance is the most Fun. Learning some new moves every week.. thank you Frankie
I Didn't know who he was so I looked him up and found this video. You can tell he was a wonderful person inside and outside. May he rest in peace. Happy Birthday.
"Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Swing," Happy Birthday to you, Sir! Thanks Google for the Doodle, I followed it and discovered this fantastic Tribute Video! Frankie Manning's dance moves have been copied both in Ice Dancing and in Pair Skating.
Brought here from Google. Didn't know this type of dance was called Lindyhop! Boy was Frankie Manning a genius! You can see more of Lindyhop in the "Idlewild" Movie. Great movie! God Bless Frankie's long lived talent!
I had the pleasure of hanging out with Frankie one on one, we both work at the Post Office, ( I was a letter carrier) we both were Lindy instructors.
He was a gentle soul, with a BIG heart. He had a wonderful contagious smile, he told me stories of what is was like at the Savoy....I could see in his eyes when he talk about it that he had the time of his life. I miss him Bcuz,..... to me,.... Frankie was like grandfather who had passed on his joy of life & dance, not only 2 me, but the world.
That man was a real kick. I did two workshops taught by Frankie -- one when he was in his 80s, and one when he was in his 90s. My favorite bit of dancing advice for the guys (from Frankie): "For the next three minutes, you love that girl."
Obviously pre-woke era.
Today he would be "cancelled" for that quote or anything like it.
Amazing . . . Frankie Manning.
Into his 80's he could lead a dance workshop all day and into the night. We would be tired and he would keep going. His laughter and attitude would keep you smiling all day. He was so low key, yet had all the moves. He even remarked that just because you have all these moves, you don't want to use them all at once. Do the basics, feel the rhythm with your partner and add the cool moves sparingly. Keep the surprises for when your partner least expects them . . .he says with a laugh.
He was the coolest cat in town!
Now Feb 2018......Frankie mentioned 1917.......My mom was born in 1917 New Orleans La....She just made her 101 birthday......Until about a 2 months ago I danced in the kitchen with her everyday.. I would often show her on UA-cam "Hellzapoppin" Lindy Hop fast/wild dancing video.... She would grab the tablet ( like she understood how to operate a tablet ?!?!) removed it out of my hand ,watched the video,tapped her feet, shaked her head to the music with the biggest smile on her face ......She has Althzeimers but still loves the music now only to lay in her bed and listen clap,sing and hum.....even in her sleep......So beautiful to be able see the past in all it's glory....Check out silent video called "Black People Dancing 1914 ".....Priceless !!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!! for these memories Mr Frankie !!!!!!
I just have so much love for this man.
Didn't start dancing until 4 years after he died, and even though I never met him, I owe him more than words or worlds can possibly describe. Thank you.
I just admire this man so much. It's unfortunate that he had to basically give up his love of dancing for awhile to work at the post office. I'm so happy for him that he was able to start teaching all over. His spirit lives on. I will never think of dancing again without thinking of him. Lindy is my 80yr old mom's favorite dance as well. Thank you Frankie for your spirit and kind gentleman manner in which you lived a great life!
I was lucky enough to take a dance class with Frankie back in the 90's and listened to him speak afterward. Well into his 80's and full of life. I do believe he was happiest making other people have fun on the dance floor. He was also the choreographer for Malcom X. According to him Denzel Washington is an excellent dancer, but Spike Lee not so much. Glad I got to see a real legend.
Nobody had a smile that could light up a room quite like Frankie's did. That energy of his wasn't just warm, it was infectious and inspiring. Dancing with him is one of my most cherished memories.
Frankie Manning is pure energy! Pure joyful energy! Where he is now (you guessed it!), boy, will they be dancing up a storm.
"Can´t you sleep, Frankie?"
"No, sir, I can´t."
I was pleased to see that Google had done a doodle for Mr. Manning. His influence was profound. I always wanted to meet him but never got the chance. Thank you for posting this tribute video.
This fellow looked like a living example of how movement keeps you healthy.He looked 25 years younger than he was ,also he seemed a very nice man.
what an amazing and sweet man - think he would be so proud that Lindy Hop is so popular again!
incredible and lovely man. such a talented dancer. ))
see how he danced and how he smiled when he was dancing, he really loved what he was doing! I feel happy for him to had a happy life like this :) happy birthday, Frankie! we love you!
I took a couple of classes from Frankie when he was 96, all amazing, warm and kind man, and a fabulous dancer!
Google's doodle today brought me here too. This was amazing! Happy birthday Frankie!
Emanuel L. Basnight, Jr. Been two years Emanuel you take swing dance lessons yet? I like and dance .... tomorrow!
Underrated Class Act All the way! Savoy Ballroom Legend!!
Fantastic tribute, and great historical clips! What a beautiful artist and man. I can't imagine what kind of miserable wretch would give this a thumbs down....
Much respect to this man and all those who danced with him and trained under him. Google did their thing when they animated him and brought this man's legacy to light. In this day where segregation seems to be rearing it's head again, thus dude was all about bringing folks together. Powerful
Wow, what a great, mini-doc, thanks @Google for the Doodle update, which linked to this man's legacy.
Never heard of Frankie Manning, or the term "Lindy Hop" but, I've always knew about the cotton clubs & chitlin circuits, and always admired the art, music & culture born out of this era.
Fantastic. A rich legacy. I actually gasped with the moves in his heyday (wow! pause. replay. WOW!). It must have been a sensation. I really enjoyed his "rediscovery" and his continued joy. How fulfilling it must have been to see how the Lindy has endured. Happy birthday, indeed! Great pick for Doodle.
I'm familiar with the term Lindy Hop from DWTS. It's a wonder that this part of black history isn't celebrated more. There is so much joy and energy in the faces of the dancers! He taught joy. Man, that cat could dance!
Mari
@Eleanor Ellis Very well put. I personally think it's better construed as American history for that reason. All Americans participated in it, and to focus on the black leaves out the white, even latin influences - just as we all realize already that focusing on the white would leave out the others.
Zzzzzzz.. The blacks are more interested in thug rap culture and entitlements than this stuff. Most Lindy hoppers these days are white kids who enjoy it.. It is what it is
If everybody in the world could dance like this, imagine what a beautiful world it would be.
What a wonderful Man.
I love the Lindy Hop. It's all I do when I am dancing. Thank you Frankie.
An innovative, pioneer great dancer ... then a great dance teacher, making how-to's clear and simple.
HAppy Birthday Frankie Manning!!!!!!!love it.
AWSOME VIDEO AND HISTORY. NEED MORE SUPER-HIGH QUALITY VIDEOS!!!
He had such a beautiful spirit!
What a great ambassador to dancing. I only wish I could have witnessed him in person. RIP Frankie!
Dancers had to be in shape back then!!!! Google doodle brought me here. Happy Birthday Frankie Manning. RIH.
same, thanks google !
Thank You Google...
+no POS
Putting me down for stating my opinion...This world has gone to shit, or is just you two blacks? Ervain Sanon Darth Vader
Not black. Your opinion is shit, not the world.
Frankie was the Lindy times ten! I'm still in awe of him
I think something in my back cracked just looking as those moves. Happy Birthday Mr Joy and Happiness on the dance floor!
yup me too. didn't know who Frankie Manning was before Google wished him a internet Happy Birthday! Frankie Manning is amazing and that smile beams out sunshine. I've always loved watching Lindy Hop and Swing dancing. But he is the ultimate. thanks for this awesome video.
Love it!..
Thanks google, i didn't know this awesome guy. Happy birthday Frankie.
gghh
💋❤💚💘
His smile while he's dancing is so inspirational 😍
Every dance must have been like running a three minute mile. So athletic!
Yea, to them we would probably look like Tweedledum and Tweedledee doing the running man.
+Jason H Well said!!!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
+Jason H lol
Thank you google for keeping us up on these amazing talents many young people would not have heard of this man. Happy Birthday Frankie.
This is AWESOME! Happy Birthday Frankie! A lot of great grandparents did the damn thang!
I love love love this tribute
Great treasured video. Thanks for sharing.
Super Kool! Who knew...I enjoyed the film very much on the life of Frankie Manning. Our hats off to Mr. Frankie Manning!
The original Ambassador of Swing.....Happy Birthday Frankie Manning
Learning something new everyday. I loved watching this vid..wish I could move like that lol Happy Birthday Frankie : )
Amazing! So much energy. Thanks Google doodle.
This was awesome...I too wish everyone could move like that!!!
I appreciate the the craft of so many dance styles before my time and this style by this Great man Frankie Manning is fun energetic and fast... dance on! ... as today we watch remember Frankie Manning
Just Genius! Nothing but natrual talent.!
I just love this, I love dancing also but can't top this, when people say they can't dance I will say just listen and feel the beat, man I wish I could have met him.
THE GREATEST. LEGEND.
Watching this and smiling. I consider it a privilege that I got to dance, dj, and even sign interpret for this great man before he died. RIP with much love from the Toronto Swing Dance Society.
I wish young black kids would show more interest in their musical heritage.People like Frankie Manning wrote the book and should never be forgotten.
Many don't know it's a shame
Respect man, a hero in his own right! happy birthday Frankie!
Wonderful tribute. I just learned something along with my kids. We watched the video together and it was truly awesome to watch them learn about their heritage and how loving and humble Mr. Frankie Manning was with his dancing.
I just clicked the doodle and here I am watching the video. Amazing! Happy birthday, Frankie Manning!
Thank you Google for this video I have never heard of this great man Frankie Manning!
This is incredible.... thank you Google doodle.... may his soul rest in peace and his accomplishments live on forever.
Love this! I’m a ballroom dancer, rock n roll, modern jiver and disco… but this type of dance is the most Fun.
Learning some new moves every week.. thank you Frankie
Frankie was a gift to the world. So enjoyed watching this. Thanks for posting!
Happy Birthday Frankie! You ARE the man!
Not wishing to repeat Jokoerner but It simply warms the heart to know that people with such generous spirit are there to inspire and set us example.
Frankie was well recognized and loved. So glad we got to know you Frankie and learn!
Happy Birthday Frankie! Love It!
Happy Birthday Frankie! Talented dancer!
This was wonderful, they should do one for Norma Miller too.
Norma Miller documentary is called the 'Queen of Swing'. It's good also.
Jay Rod WOW Thanks!!!
Swing is the best and thanks very much too for Norma's information. Beautiful world then... and now. We all should just dance. Nice.
+Jay Rod Thanks so much!
Thank you so much! I am watching it now! What a cultural artifact!
What an incredible soul and how fortunate for us he walked this earth. Thank you Frankie Manning.
Thanks for sharing, what a lovely man, and talent.
This is dancing! Happy Birthday Mr. Manning and thank you for all you've done!
A beautiful human being!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful "momento" .. it's people like him that makes it worth living in an otherwise world of struggles..
He had a good time!
Wow ! Google Doodle ftw ! I had no ideea who this guy was. Respect Frankie
+JddSaun lol
+JddSaun funny as hell.
I Didn't know who he was so I looked him up and found this video. You can tell he was a wonderful person inside and outside. May he rest in peace. Happy Birthday.
THANK YOU GOOGLE FOR SHARING THIS VIDEO AM ENJOYING IT TO THE MAX PEACE AND LOVE YOU ALL WHAT A GREAT MAN ONELOVE
happy Birthday Frankie Manning you fantastic dance machine
What an awesome tribute video. Thanks Google for bringing me here.
Happy Birthday & Blessed Be Frankie...
Beautiful history, thanks Frankie
Wow! I like it! Fantastic! God Bless!
beautiful, thank you for telling such an inspiring story
"Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Swing," Happy Birthday to you, Sir!
Thanks Google for the Doodle, I followed it and discovered this fantastic Tribute Video!
Frankie Manning's dance moves have been copied both in Ice Dancing and in Pair Skating.
Me too. I wish everyone in the world would dance at least once per week for one to two hours. It would change everything
How Awesome is he!! Great video..
What an inspiration. What a great man and teacher. Loved the story.
Happy birthday, Frankie!
Just beautiful. it puts a big smile on my face to remember you!
the Google Doodle brought me here and i'm glad it did. this is great, what a dancer!
Wow, beautiful. I love this.
Happy Birthday, Frankie. My wife's been wanting to learn the Lindy...we'll be using your instructional video's tonight!!!
music and Dancing will save our world! Long live the true Joys in life!
What a legend, I really like this video :)
Just wonderful; thanksou, so much.
Google brought me here! I enjoyed learning this. Great man.
Great tribute video. Thanks for posting.
❤️♬ When life gets you down, just DANCE!!! ♬❤️
Brought here from Google. Didn't know this type of dance was called Lindyhop! Boy was Frankie Manning a genius! You can see more of Lindyhop in the "Idlewild" Movie. Great movie! God Bless Frankie's long lived talent!
AMAZING! Have they even attempted the Lindy Hop on Dancing with the Stars? Now THAT is what I call dancing!
I'm guessing if anyone did do it, they would automatically win!
Fantastic! Thank you for sharing such a treasure! What an inspiration!!
frankie manning! divine and immortal!
Awesome !