Background
III, Frank Benjamin Foster, was born on September 23, 1928 in Cinn. Son of Frank Benjamin and Lillian Iona (Watts) F.
composer educator bandleader arranger
III, Frank Benjamin Foster, was born on September 23, 1928 in Cinn. Son of Frank Benjamin and Lillian Iona (Watts) F.
Graduated from the high school, Cinn. Doctor in Music (honorary), Center State University, Wilberforce, Ohio, 1983; Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), College St. Rose, 1992.
Saxophonist, Snooky Young Orchestra, Detroit, 1949;
jazz, music instructor, Jazzmobile, Inc., New York City, 1966-1986;
bandleader, Frank Foster Loud Minority Big Band, New York City, 1965-1986;
bandleader, Living Color/Non-Electric Company. New York City, 1970-1986;
assistant music professor, State University of New York, Buffalo, 1972-1976;
adjunct assistant professor, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 1977-1979;
musician, composer, arranger, Count Basie Orchestra, based in New York City, 1953-1964;
musical director, Count Basie Orchestra, New York City, 1986-1995. Consultant Uni-World Group, Inc., New York City, 1985-1996.
Advisory board member National Black Music Caucus.
Served with the United States Army, 1951-1953. Fellow National Endowment for the Arts (panelist 1978-1980). Member American Federation of Musicians, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, American Guild of Authors and Composers, Jazzmobile, Inc.
Married Vivian Irene Wilson, June 1954 (divorced 1965). Children: Anthony Keith, Donald Benjamin. Married Cecilia Ann Jones, August 3, 1966.
Children: Frank B. IV, Andrea Jardís.