The Winter Dance Party Tapes: Frankie Sardo- Part 1

Our first interview with Frankie Sardo. Filmed on February 4, 2010 in Clear Lake, Iowa. THIS FOOTAGE IS AVAILABLE FOR LICENSING. Please contact Jim McCool or Sevan Garabedian at [e-mail].
Produced by James McCool & Sevan Garabedian
Camera, Lighting & Sound by Dave Hansen
Edited by James McCool
Special thanks to Christine Akrey & Dennis Mathis

[@mcbillygoat]

Frankie Sardo is pure class. Such a humble individual.

[@greghollander7988]

Love this guy. What a class act. RIP Frankie along with all your legendary friends.

[@handsomeasiandude1126]

Wonderful and intelligent man. RIP Frankie Sardo.

[@robvanyams497]

Fantastic, great person RIP Frank, JP, Ritchie and Buddy

[@spiderreed350]

There's nothing like listening to vet's. Talk after returning home.they are truly a unique kind of person.

[@downtownbobbybrown6237]

How the hell could 9 people give a thumbs down on this lovely video ? Frankie Sardo was a great man ,i love him and his music .We 're fortunate to have this interview .

[@rebeccamosier3931]

I just found out that he is a long lost relative of mine

[@blanton1624]

Because they never heard of him, they love the garbage today and they don't have the appreciation for this era that we do.

[@downtownbobbybrown6237]

@@rebeccamosier3931 Hi Rebecca thats cool .He was a great Rock n Roller even if he didn't think so . I would like to visit his grave in Somers NY.

[@downtownbobbybrown6237]

@@blanton1624 These guys really had to play and sing .No computer enhanced music ,And had all those one nighters ! Real Rock n Rollers !!!

[@youvandal411vm]

Probably democrats

[@philreeves7361]

Most folk Stateside do not realise how much Buddy Holly and The Crickets were respected here in England. This is a brilliant documentary. God bless Frankie, what a guy.

[@galoon]

Definitely-- Buddy Holly & The Crickets always enjoyed more popularity in England than they did here in the States. Probably in part because there was a lot more competition in rock n roll here than on the other side of the pond, in those early days.

[@patcoen1113]

The man was fantastic! His recollections etc: made the plane crash tragedy seem like 20 years ago. I could nearly picture myself on the old frozen buses with them. It's brilliant that he gave this interview, as it's American Rock N Roll Heritage!

[@guygranger7894]

Frankie------Nice meeting you. Great voice. Great stories about your pals.

[@josephmatranga8128]

What a down to earth person!

[@renerocha6334]

This man is a great story teller. I recently saw a similar video by Dion. That was also an awesome video. I didn’t realize these type of tours were a novel thing. Why have the tour in winter. Great comment and excellent point.

[@michaelrushack1863]

I have read comments over the years which were not overly favorable to Frankie...well he certainly put paid to the knockers with this interview. What a down to earth, honest, modest, charming, humorous, articulate, intelligent and wonderfully entertaining character he turned out to be. His memories about ' Buddy and the boys' are priceless to all the fans and will be always treasured by me. Thanks Frankie - you are truly a superstar in your own right.

[@trini3473]

Tears falling from my face 🕶️...wishing, hoping🎶...but i guess it doesn't matter anymore 🎸...loved this 💎 of an interview with Mr. Sardo🙏

[@joepesce1648]

wow, these music stars today need to watch this and learn from Frankie, Again another person who had a ton of friends that were stars and honored to know them, what a great guy.

[@vintagebrew1057]

Frankie, your eyes show you saw a lot of things. What a great interview! Thanks.

[@markjamesmeli2520]

Thanks so much for this. Mr. Sardo reminds me SO MUCH of my long departed Italian uncles. To me, that's as much important to me as the music he's talking about. Thank you again.

[@prorespluscom]

What a phenomenal interview. I almost lost interest first few minutes. Once he got rolling - content was pure gold. Really captured what I pictured the Winter Dance Party - and this era - in rock history were all about. RIP Frankie. LOVE the NY accent!

[@NYVoice]

Frankie did such a noble thing humanizing these legendary men who were taken so cruelly from us. And how said he would taken the plane were he offered due to his stint in Korea (my uncle served there too and it was COLD).

[@harrylazard]

His honesty and philosophy are impressive.

[@wrap10]

You folks scored gold with this interview. Glad you asked, and certainly glad he agreed. Takes very little time to realize how genuine and warm-hearted he is.

[@rnesr71]

I was at the Moorhead Armory and remember seeing you sing. I thought you choked up and was crying when you sang your first song. Thank you for doing this video and thank you for your memorable appearance that night. I was from Moorhead, and was 16 years old then. I grew up and am lifelong friends of Bob Becker who at that time had the local bank called TERRY LEE AND THE POOR BOYS.

[@stevestroh2267]

Was that the Duluth show? Wow. If it was, maybe you saw a young Robert Zimmerman. Dylan’s account of that show and seeing Buddy on Stage is pure gold.

[@weshunter_musicman]

I enjoyed watching this more than I have enjoyed watching anything my entire life. What a great job not butting in, letting his train of thought and heart flow in the moment and just talk about the reality of what he lived! What a treasure!

[@roundingitreal1893]

Now that's how to live life! What a complete opposite from listening to Dion's account and story telling. I gotta hand it to Sardo for truly keeping-it-real, fun, and carefree light. With a ton of honesty. God Bless, my man.

[@lindadavis3728]

I love Frankie's song "Fake Out" and the humor in it is makes you smile. This guy is lovable and a pure bred entertainer. I couldn't hold back the tear when he recalled Buddy Holly's lyrics "I guess it doesn't matter any more. You go your way and I'll go mine. Now and forever till the end of time" from his song "It doesn't matter anymore" will definitely be felt in a certain kind of a way as a listener. Great interview. A enduring interview. Thanks for sharing.

[@petecarrollmusic]

Superb. Captivating man. RIP

[@alneal100]

A good and decent man.

[@portervillelouis]

April 20,2016: I just saw this. Frankie disappeared from history until this video. Here , 51 years later, he fills in the empty parts of what really happened right after 2/3/1959. What a great man he is. After watching it, Wikipedia says he passed at age 77 of cancer in 2014. Part 2 , is a great closure , to this gallant man of few words , who never wanted fame...who describes himself as a man who loved to laugh and tell jokes....who went to bed each night grateful and if he awoke the next day...was grateful for ne more day. I wish I had met him. - Louis

[@thewinterdancepartytapesad2619]

+portervillelouis We have a lot more interview footage of Frank to come! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@MrTinydiner]

The Winter Dance Party Tapes: A documentary series .

[@RogerBates7]

I was lucky enough to know Frank the last 10 years of his life, including around the time this was recorded. We did lose him, sadly, in 2014. I attended his wake What you see here is the genuine article, this is exactly how Frank was in real life. And he certainly kept this under wraps for a long time. I didn't know any of this about him until the time this was recorded, as he told me about the trip to Iowa and what he was going there to do. He was a cool guy to know and I'm glad that he did this video.

[@juanquevedo6102]

@@thewinterdancepartytapesad2619 when will there be more of the documentary released?

[@rebeccamosier3931]

@@RogerBates7 hi I see in your comment that you did know him. I just found out that he was a cousin of my great grandmother and he left without telling anyone. My great grandmother just passed yesterday, me and my family would love to know more about him and his life if you could tell us, thank you.

[@gerrybuddygerry8529]

I am so glad I stumbled across this video. I have been studying Buddy Holly--his music and the man--for decades now. I never knew who the last guy on the poster for the Winter Dance Party was. I so enjoyed this interview and Frankie's perspective of the bus rides.

[@sharonblack8915]

I went to the winter dance party 20yrs. It used to be called buddy Holly reunion until Maria Elena sought money from the surf for using the Holly name, that's when they renamed it winter dance party!! It was always awesome, and some great performers!! Today's music can't hold a candle to our fifties rock and roll !!

[@mickd6942]

Great interview , stands out a mile that this is a great guy and a combat veteran , bet he was fun and fearless , so glad he did this interview , RIP Frankie.

[@timinla64]

As a rock-n-roll history buff, I thank you guys for this. I'd seen his name on the poster a thousand times and always wondered about his thoughts on this matter. What a treasure!

[@lisamccomb505]

So glad I came across this interview! I'd seen Frankie Sardo's name on the Winter Dance Party poster, too, but knew nothing about him. Of course he'd have memories to share about the other musicians on that tour. Very enlightening to listen to his recollections about interactions with the others.

[@KellyParker-kw4nk]

I wasn't born until the 70s but fell in love with these guys thanks to my dad 🎸🎸

[@KellyParker-kw4nk]

Frank has a great way of looking at things ! You gotta truly enjoy life because you never know how long you'll have on this planet 🌎

[@gkhan32310]

What a wonferul interview!

[@V8Deuce]

I got teary eyed when he talked (and sang) about "It Doesn't Matter Any More"

[@freddyg1692]

Thank you guys so much for sharing! Dion DiMucci also finally talked about his experience with the winter tour and the last gig and the coin toss. It's very moving story as well.

[@davidcarroll4411]

Except for the fact that Dion wasn’t part of the coin toss. That was Tommy Alsup and Ritchie.

[@steveharte8712]

Frankie, thank you for filling in the missing pieces of the tragic story. I feel as though I know you personally,though I will never get the chance. R I P.

[@MrJeep75]

Love this, RIP

[@danielburks]

You can just see the hurt in his eyes and his voice that was his friends that was killed so heartbroken R.I.P buddy Ritchie and big bopper

[@stevenedwards4470]

That was the best, most down to earth, straight remembrance ive yet heard. I'm so glad I bumped into this. Thanks for doing it.

[@thewinterdancepartytapesad2619]

Thank you so much for watching it and sharing your kind comments!

[@horizon42q]

Excellent, I was just at the Surf ballroom Last week

[@teachone2261]

and real HONEST boomer straight talking and passionate .. .gotta love em ! a real stand up guy !

[@jaredclawson1813]

I never knew a groupie, I'm gonna roast in Hell for this, lol. What a swell guy, this is a real treat. Enjoyed every minute of it.

[@bouncehoper]

ceterababe nailed it on the head - what a sweet, hilarious and fascinating soul. Thank God you folks had the foresight to 'pester' him before he passed and get this on tape; what a gift. The time is slipping away to get these pieces of musical history, and it's incredibly poignant to watch this. Kudos to you, sirs, and looking forward to further pieces.

[@moss8448]

damn what an interview....does remind me how much times have changed....what a character, articulate and funny it had to be a blast being around this guy and those guys in those days...just as I was getting old enough to somewhat understand music and when "That'll Be The Day' was on the radio and being covered everywhere...then music when into that extruded corporate sound until later when the British Invasion got it going again .. all these thoughts come back listening to this post. 👍

[@kencooke8139]

Thank you for uploading this great interview, what an interesting and honest guy he was.

[@RG-ja34sep]

This is precious, loved every bit of this video. What a privilege to hear about what went on during the Winter Dance Tour. Frankie Sardo, you were a special person, unfortunately I will not have the pleasure of meeting you. Thanks to all for uploading this fascinating interview. Long live the music!!!!!!

[@jeffjodibrent]

I was born 6 months after that fateful night, and have been a fan of Buddy's for 50 years, so I feel like I struck gold here! I just heard about this from a post on Facebook, and I immediately came here to check it out. What a goldmine this guy is...a real down-to-earth recollection of the Winter Dance Party and of Sardo's life in general. I will be recommending this to my friends and family for weeks to come. Thank you gentlemen for the diligence and love you have obviously put into this project...we are all benefitting from this insight!

[@Elmer-hf1je]

Frankie ,your interview really sold me on your personality, I would really enjoy having a drink with you, it was a pleasure being in your company even though I’m in the UK and you are in the USA , God bless you sir !

[@absinthedream9668]

Frankie was such a character RIP, great interview.

[@zz424]

what an awesome guy!

[@victorwho744]

What a cool guy. Man, to be having a couple of beers with him and the stories he could tell...Great job guys getting him to do this.

[@lindahelms9437]

LOVED this interview!!! So happy his family pressured him to to it!!!😷🥰❤️❤️❤️😷

[@stevestroh2267]

Wow, that was great. “Are you married? Are you crazy, women don’t forget, they think then is now!” What a gem. I have always had a strong interest in anything regarding Buddy Holly and remember Frankie Sardo’s name on the WDP poster. Had no idea about his career before or since that tour. He was definitely more than just an obscure name on an infamous and tragic tour. You really get the gist of a man in this short interview.

[@kurtfoulke5130]

What a great attitude. I could listen to this for hours. Honest, first hand accounts of the early history of Rock & Roll is fascinating. Thanks Frankie

[@belia73]

Such a gentleman

[@Sunbear415]

I wish Frankie recorded more songs, he had a beautiful voice.

[@jeandodge2074]

"Buddy Holly lives every time we play Rock and Roll" - Sonny Curtis, the Crickets. Rave On... and Not Fade Away.

[@Katietoo]

Big thanks to you, all, at bluedaysproductions , and Frankie, for sharing the best-ever tribute (imo) to the Winter Dance Party tour that I have ever watched or read. R.I.P. Frankie, and good luck to you, all, in your future careers. The simplicity of the interviewer(s) and interviewee touched my heart.

[@Real_g.s.]

Found this completely by accident, but I'm enjoying it very much! I always wondered who the hell Frankie Sardo was. Imagine being famous for being on a poster for the Winter Dance Party. Yikes!

[@upinminnesota]

Fantastic interview! Great to hear the stories. What a character... : )

[@letgodbetrueandeverymanali3656]

He's a cross of Jack Nicholson and Robert Deniro....one cool cat, I really liked this guy.

[@luanirodnansen8366]

What an fantastic interview. Absolute salute and respect Mr Frank Sardo. Ritchie Valenzuela Valens & Buddy Holly were my forefront rock & roll guitar heroes etc.. R.I.L Ritchie, Buddy & JP. Manuia & God bless💜💚💙

[@johnsmith-hf1hm]

Frankie you are a great guy. This was a fantastic interview and what an awesome personality!

[@denieledwards6893]

FRANKIE HAD A GREAT VOICE RIP BROTHER.

[@jasontouvi8978]

I choked up when he sang "It Doesnt Matter Anymore." What a way to end the interview. Pure candor and class. Sardo was a hidden gem. They dont make men like this anymore.

[@stevestheboy1]

what a nice genuine guy

[@edwardrossman9448]

Interesting first hand account of history from a thoughtful lucid individual.

[@roren2466]

A great interview!

[@hillaryilinsky1009]

this was great. thank you.

[@giles422]

what a great guy. God Bless and thanks, Frank.

[@geronamo1960]

This is great, he should of been interviewed much sooner, seemed like a great guy! I have the winderdance poster with his name at the bottom, always wondered about who he was.

[@jthyme7940]

Love it, guys. Frankie was great! Looking forward to future installments. (Gary B)

[@countalucard4226]

What a great raconteur

[@ZJ-ne9kn]

What a great insightful interview thank you for it

[@MienemLeben]

I have never seen this interview! I just watched the interview Dion did for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Sounded like it was VERY cold on that bus, especially every time it broke down!

[@cdeshon61]

Great job, Jim and Sevan - looking forward to watching Part 2 soon!

[@bertswitzer1967]

Great interview great guy and story

[@corinnestearns6661]

Thank you for the interview..

[@heddabritt7326]

Frankie, my love, you are missed everyday. What a wonderful tribute Blue Days Productions. Great job James and Sevan.

[@Sunbear415]

Hedda, my family misses Frankie so much! God bless you!

[@kalibooz7921]

Hes sooooo fuckin awesome 👏🏻 👓

[@ALBATH12345]

Great posting gentlemen. Refreshing honesty encompassed in a welcomed remembrance.

[@denisetindall1487]

I really enjoyed this video on KZbin 👍

[@vilstef6988]

Really interesting interview. Frankie kind of reminds me of Arnold on Happy Days! Waylon had survivor's guilt for years after.

[@alyssatrujillocookingshow2853]

He reminds me of Arnold too or uncle fester

[@vilstef6988]

@@alyssatrujillocookingshow2853 As a young man, Frankie looked like the All-American-Italian kid. At the time of the interview, he became every man. Put an ethnic hat on him, and he fit. Even with a Mao hat he could be some variety of ethnic Chinese.

[@monmixer]

We carried a gun always when we were playing bars in the 70's. we always had one onstage in the back of an amp. when I fight broke out we went to the stage and protected our equipment. Also in those days it wasn't unheard of to get paid and in cash always and walk out the door and get robbed. Never happened to us but it happened. I was working for a big concert promotion company during the time when Willie had just got into trouble with the IRS. He wanted paid in small bills. Nothing over a 20 dollar bill. 50 grand in nothing but but 20 and under bills. crazy

[@GoingMarco]

Very cool guy RIP

[@stevestheboy1]

god bless ya frankie I would have loved to have a drink wiv ya fella great stories

[@triplevee2198]

Just wow!

[@davidgarswood8329]

I loved this. What a cool guy.

[@ceterababe]

LOVED THIS!!! Frank may think he was "unimportant" but he is just the opposite. To share the happenings and memories of his experiences are a part of music history. And to have it on film makes his insight available to many for years to come. I was facinated by this interview. I always wondered what other people on this tour may have experienced and felt. Like what ever happened to the bus driver, or if there were any roadies on the tour....A very big THANK YOU, Frank, for sharing you stories with all of us. Would love to read a memoir by you including your relationships with Bobby Darrin, Elvis, etc.

[@tonym994]

I agree emphatically! just as I thoroughly enjoyed DION's recollections of the tour.

[@lookingforwyatteearp3137]

@@tonym994 everybody including myself believe Dion lied about a lot of s*** he said about the tour.

[@tonym994]

@@lookingforwyatteearp3137 elaborate if you wish.

[@BobandWeave83]

Wonderful and priceless interview.

[@sdgakatbk]

From this interview I like this guy.

[@jaygre4836]

YOU'RE one hella of a guy Frankie... thank you for your wisdom. Because of Buddy and Ritchie, I tried to play guitar... wasn't good at it... but fronted 4 "garage local" bands. Met Royal Guardsmen prior to Snoopy recording... met the great (in my book- The First Sign of Love) Jr. Shank and Jester Lee Markish, Lois Lee and Joey Dee (acquainted with son... a great person and musician Ronnie Dee). Thru Joey met Jimmy Beaumont. Got a break having Dale Thomas (lifetime musician) as long time friend and early mentor. Though I never saw Buddy in person or Ritchie (the Universe set me up to meet Ritchie's sisters, Bob and Donna-you can see Ritchie's warmth in his family, and briefly met John Mueller & WDP guys through Connie) probably from heaven. So thank you again for the heartfelt sharing with us. You didn't have to.... so yeah... you are a hero to us for relating your philosophy of life.... one chapter, then..... turn the page. Wish I could have talked to you 61 years ago Mr Sardo.

[@louisehelenpforr6921]

Frank sardo I love you!!! You are the bomb..still so handsome.. Love sarah

[@erikmolnar6585]

All these interviews with the performers are great. Its a shame there aren't any film footage that I know of from that tour. Its understandable although I am surprised nobody had a 16mm or 8mm camera. But these interviews are so great to hear. I first learned about Buddy Holly and his death in 1984 when my mom bought me a VHS tape released by Realistic/RadioShack on the history of Rock and Roll which back then pretty much meant the music of the 50s. I wish I still had it.

[@robertmcdowell6935]

This is Amazing What a guy

[@senatormat16]

Thank you for your service.

[@terryshoemaker8570]

I like this guy

[@smittysmat7826]

I love this.

[@MrJeep75]

The worse thing to happen in life is to be forgotten.

[@nml4546]

Love this video, sorry to hear he has passed. What a great interview. I liked Dion's version of this, but it had a little too much self promotion (sorry Dion, you are great). But, what down to earth discussion, even if any of it isn't accurate (not saying any of it isn't), you just gotta believe this man.

[@DanGoodShotHD]

I absolutely love this guy.