Originally Posted on Nov.24th, 2023
Today I’m going to be telling you about Rockabilly Badass Frankie Lee,
from Frankie Lee and The Infernos!
I feel so honored to share her unique story, and truly think not only is she an amazing singer, but such an incredibly strong bad ass Woman!
Here is our Q&A that we did, thank you so much for letting me share your story!
VMS: “When did you start performing your music. What is your backstory and your current lineup.”
Frankie Lee: “I started singing at the young age of 5 or so, but did not start singing full time publicly till I was 37 years old, After I lost my oldest child to cancer. I now perform full time with my long time bass player Mike Ace. Along with John Quiroz on guitar with rotating drummer Lisa Carver and Jose Narvaez. Frankie Lee and the Infernos have been playing non stop since 2013.”
VMS: “What artist or bands inspire you and your sound.”
Frankie Lee: “I’ve been rooted in blues and R&B since I was child, Smokey Robinson, Ella, Billie Holiday, and Marvyn Gaye have played a huge roll in my style. Along with Big Mama Thorton and the likes of Screamin Jay Hawkins these melodies resonated with my heart and soul. I’m a huge fan of sacred souls and I have Otis Redding and James Brown on Spotify repeat alongside Alicia Keys and HER currently.”
VMS: “I’ve always been a huge fan of the rockabilly / 50’s Rock sound, and I think your voice fits perfectly into that world. Was this the sound you were looking for as a band from the get go / or did it organically become this sound.”
Frankie Lee: “Aw, thank you for that! I would say that My deep admiration for Motown from childhood along with singing Lauren Hill and Mary J Blige R&B styles, in my early adult life, really formed my style into what it is today..As the band went on in years the rockabilly scene just really started to pop. I would say our sound just kind of morphed into what it currently is. Luckily those old school tunes never went out of style and we can really relate to any and all ages when performing. It’s a great feeling.”
VMS: “I absolutely love your covers of “Summertime”, “Dreams” and “Dynamite”! Do you have a favorite song you like to perform live or a song that you feel really represents you.”
Frankie Lee: “Thank you for the compliments! Honestly I really do try to connect with each song before I sing them, I feel I relate to them so well. I would have to say the most impactful song I cover is ” Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac.There’s definitely tears involved, always- either with the audience or even me sometimes… it really speaks to the heart and it is so relatable, everyone just gets it.”
Listen to Frankie Lee and The Infernos on Spotify:
VMS:”What do you want your audience to feel and experience at one of your live shows.”
Frankie Lee: “Such a good question…I suppose I hope to relay a sense of comradery, a safe place to be and just love. This life is so hard and temporary we all need moments of just good feelings and togetherness, and sometimes most of the time Music is the only thing that can help you get through this life. I know personally it has helped me through very challenging times in my life.”
VMS:”Which local artist would you like to work with and why”
Frankie Lee: “Well, I’ve worked with Shanda & The Howlers, The Implosions and many more local talent, but I suppose I would like to meet Lisa Mac. she is an incredible blues singer and she plays the guitar so she’s basically a super hero to me lol. I love a strong female lead and she checks all the boxes IMO. I would also like to work with Madisyn Music she is just the sweetest upcoming diva in the scene , and I think we would have a lot of common interests, According to our styles of singing.”
VMS:”What does the future holds for Frankie Lee and The Infernos.”
Frankie Lee: “The future looks great for the band, we are constantly being booked for bigger and bigger events and we couldn’t be more happy about the ways things have been going, we truly are blessed to still be playing this long! Its a tough biz and keeping players is even harder. We’ve been lucky to play San Diego, Solvang California, we’ve played Utah , Arizona and even flew out to perform in Philadelphia at a wedding last year. We are currently dabbling with originals and recording more so look out for those new releases on Spotify!”
What I love about Frankie Lee and The Infernos is not only their classic Rockabilly Vibe and sound, but also what wonderful musicians and artists they are. The smooth but commanding vocals of Frankie Lee, the unrelenting guitar playing of Mike and John, and the powerhouse drums of Lisa and Jose, all makes for an incredible one of a kind show, that is definitely not to be missed.
I think it’s so beautiful that Frankie Lee can take her pain and channel it into a way to help other people with whatever struggles they might have in their own life. Personally, I’ve always felt that music is probably the best therapy to repair the human soul. There is something so magical about being able to listen to a song or album, when your at your lowest point that can truly touch and heal the way nothing else can.
I feel her heartache when she’s singing “Landslide” or “When your Gone”, but I can also see her perserverance as a artist in her performances, her electric stage presence in her one of a kind shows, it’s amazing to watch this incredibly strong and bad ass Woman she has become.
But I know the road to get to where she is now was definitely not an easy one. Frankie was diagnosed with PTSD in her 20’s from a traumatic childhood. then when she lost her son it was Complex PTSD.
Her son Robert was 18 when he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.. he fought for a year and after his bone marrow transplant at UCLA, he succumbed to graph versus host disease and sadly passed away. Frankie has said “It is a struggle to live without him, so I take it day by day.”
I think that we need more artist’s like Frankie Lee and The Infernos.Whether it’s laughing, crying or dancing, I’m always greatful that artists can make us feel something.
Through all the ups and downs in life, Music has been the one constant, my sanctuary and my therapy. I feel that Frankie genuinely understands what an amazing therapeutic experience music is and it definitely resonates in everything she touches. Please never change Frankie Lee and The Infernos, you truly are a one of a kind.
For more information about Frankie Lee and The Infernos please visit their Instagram:
https://instagram.com/frankieleeandtheinfernos?igshid=M2RkZGJiMzhjOQ==
——–Vegas Music Scene