Frankie Smith - "The Double Dutch Bus"

Inspired by his recent passing...

https://www.facebook.com/ItsIndyOnline/posts/2397163863641188

It is with a heavy and unprepared heart that I inform family, friends and fans that my dad, Frankie Smith passed from this life on March 8th 2019 in his lifelong home in Philadelphia PA.
The world knew him as Frankie "Double Dutch Bus" Smith but for me, he is and will always be my daddy. I'm truly grateful for the 44 years I had my father, who was my best and loyal friend as well as one of my spiritual teachers. My dad was pure love and I know he loved the Lord. My family and I find comfort in knowing he is with his heavenly father and the love of his life his mom my grandmother "Mimi", Mary Josephine Smith.
I will be sharing more posts and updates on my dad's foundation as well as a future celebration of his life. YES! Everyone will be invited to the memorial and celebration. Love you all for loving him and he certainly loved you all for your years of support. With this love I will be taking my dads name and his love of performing into the future through his foundation.
Many Blessings.
Vashon "Indy" Smith

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK9hK82r-AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFe28LSq83E

The R&B and Funk world is gathered in remembrance of singer and songwriter, Frankie Smith. Best known for his funky hit, “Double Dutch Bus,” the native Philadelphian was also a significant behind the scenes player as well.

Smith was born in 1953 in Philadelphia, attending college in Tennessee in pursuit of a teaching degree with a minor in music. Smith became a writer for the O’Jays and The Spinners before diving into his own career as a performer as the ‘80s rolled around.

“Double Dutch Bus” came out in 1981, partly inspired by Smith’s hometown transit authority known as SEPTA, and the child’s rope game of double dutch. The song became a hit on the Soul charts before crossing over to the Billboard Hot 100.

The song was put out by Philadelphia label WMOT, which had a shady investor in Larry “Dr. Snow” Levin, a dentist who secretly sold cocaine on the side. His involvement with the label led to its shutdown in 1984, which was highlighted on the National Geographic documentary, “King of Coke: Living The High Life.”

Another high mark for “Double Dutch Bus” is that is only of only a few singles to gain two gold RIAA certifications, the first being Barbara Streisand and Donna Summer’s “No More Tears” from 1979.

;_;

WARNING: turn on all your adblockers (ublock origin):

http://solarmovie.net/watch/VdP4bKdL-king-of-coke-living-the-high-life.html

FFWD to 24 mins, and Frankie briefly talks about the genesis of the recording of DDB.

3-part true crime blog about Frankie Smith and how he got screwed by his record label (a front for a cocaine money laundering ring):

https://allthingsthriller.com/2018/11/11/the-double-dutch-bust-a-one-hit-wonder-a-ton-of-coke-and-a-dentists-dirty-laundry-part-i/
https://allthingsthriller.com/2018/11/16/double-dutch-bust-a-one-hit-wonder-a-ton-of-coke-and-a-dentists-dirty-laundry-part-ii/
https://allthingsthriller.com/2018/11/27/double-dutch-bust-a-one-hit-wonder-a-ton-of-coke-and-a-dentists-dirty-laundry-conclusion/

Rizzest Izzin Pizzeace :(

r.i.p.

"double dutch bus" is immortal