Frank Westbrook | Memphis Soul & R&B Musician, Songwriter & Producer
A Lifetime in Soul, R&B, and American Music
Welcome to the official website of Frank Westbrook, a lifelong musician, songwriter, performer, and producer whose musical journey began in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 15.
From his early days with The Montegos to performing alongside legendary artists including O.V. Wright, Ann Peebles, Martha Reeves, The Delfonics, and Rare Earth, Frank Westbrook has spent decades immersed in the rich traditions of soul, R&B, Motown, and Memphis music.
His career has taken him through historic musical communities connected to Hi Records, Stax Records, Motown Records, and King Records of Nashville, while giving him the opportunity to perform on stages across the country.
From Memphis to the National Stage
Frank’s musical journey began in Memphis, where he professionally backed artists such as O.V. Wright and Ann Peebles. His work with The Changing Scene and the Jackie Wilson and Joe Simon Review opened the door to larger stages and new opportunities.
His own band also released the 45 single “Magic Love” through King Records of Nashville.
Over the years, Frank continued expanding his musical career, working with The Delfonics, backing Martha Reeves, performing with Rare Earth, and eventually moving into songwriting and music production.
Musician. Songwriter. Producer.
Frank Westbrook’s career represents more than decades of performances—it represents a lifelong commitment to music.
Through projects including the Black Stallion Band, the album Black Stallion featuring Benny Mahan, and his work with The Tiptones through F & S Audio, Frank has continued to create, produce, and develop music.
Explore Frank’s music, career, photographs, stories, and upcoming projects throughout this website.
Experience the music. Discover the journey. Celebrate the legacy.
Life in Music
I was introduced to music by the age of 5. My older sister played the piano, and my older brother played the trumpet. There was always music in the house. I began to tinker around with the piano, and just like that, my passion for it began….and never stopped.
At 15, I began playing with a Memphis group called “The Montegos.” This was the beginning of a lifelong music career, to include writing, producing, performing with famous artists…from legendary recording studios, and unforgettable stages.
After a year, “The Montegos” broke apart, and I formed a group called “The Changing Scene,” also of Memphis. We backed Blues artists such as O.V. Wright, and Ann Peeble from the historic “Royal Recording Studio.” The same studio where, the all-time great, Al Green recorded his hit songs such as, “Let’s Stay Together,” “Call Me,” “I’m Tired of Being Alone,” and “I’m Still in Love With You,” to name a few.
We then recorded our own single, “Magic Love,” and “Put Your Hand Where It’s At,” for King Records, from Nashville, TN. This began my writing career.
The Changing Scene also backed an artist from the famed Stax Recording Studio, named Ollie Nightingale. I would later write a song with Ollie called, “A Place in my Heart for You.”
Other well-known artists from Stax Recording Studio included Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. and the MG’s, Sam and Dave, to name a few.
At 17, a musician friend of mine introduced me to Elliott Clark, a music promoter. He was in search of a band to back the artist, Betty Wright. Most noted for her hit song, “Clean Up Woman.” This would take me to Atlanta GA.
Elliott was also a promoter for a Philadelphia soul group named “The Delfonics.” Well-known for their big hits, “Didn’t I Blow Your Mind This Time,” “La-La Means I Love You,” “Break Your Promise,” “Love Won’t Let Me Wait,” “Over and Over,” and many others.
One evening, Elliott and I went to the club, in Underground Atlanta, where the Delfonics band was rehearsing, without a keyboardist. I asked them if they needed a keyboard player. They asked me, if I knew their songs, which I did. The next thing I knew, I was the keyboard for the Delfonics!
At the end of the Summer, I had to return to Memphis to finish my senior year in high school, and that was that.
My music journey would now take me to Springfield, MO, where I played with a 9-piece group, called “Granny’s Bathwater.” We backed up, and toured, with R&B music icon, Martha Reeves (of “The Vandellas’), from Motown Records. Her most epochal hit was “Dancing in the Street.” We played at Carnegie Hall, in New York, to The Troubadour, in Los Angeles.
During the tour, famous artists would sit in, such as Stevie Wonder, Jose Feliciano, and John Scofield.
Martha Reeves’ manager was Ron Strassner. Ron was also the manager of Rare Earth, another Motown group. Some of their hits were “I Just Want to Celebrate,” “I’m Losing You,” and “Get Ready.”
Ron offered me an opportunity to be the keyboardist for Rare Earth! I immediately moved to Los Angeles, and at 22 years of age, became the youngest member of the band.
I toured the world, and met prestigious Motown artists such as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and Lionel Richie, to name a few.
After a year with Rare Earth, my interest turned to producing. I returned to Springfield, MO. There, I teamed with Benny Mahan, the former lead singer of Granny’s Bathwater. We formed the group, Black Stallion, which was mostly Country music.
I produced the album, Black Stallion, featuring Benny Mahan, and recorded it in Tulsa, OK, at Long Branch Studios. Songs were written by Benny, and myself. We toured the album and opened for such credible musicians as, Lee Greenwood, Mel Tillis, and David Allan Coe.
My journey would continue with a Tulsa, OK group called The Tiptones. We had 2 singers, and me playing all the instruments via computer. We were voted Tulsa’s Absolute Best in music and entertainment!
I produced an album called “Take Your Jacket Off,” for my recording studio, F&S Audio.
Through every chapter of my career, music has remained my passion. A journey of creativity, collaboration, and unforgettable experiences!
The journey continues.
