He was born Francesco Antonio Marino on November 20, 1954 in Montreal, Canada. Half Italian and half Arab, Frank is one of five children and only has a 7th grade education that even included a short stint in military school. "Those years were the late sixties and everyone was into the hippie peace movement and we were so busy getting stoned that we certainly didn't want to attend school. All we did besides getting stoned was listen to Hendrix, The Doors, The Beatles and a few others as well as getting involved in movements such as peace, love, anti-war etc. Those were definitely the days, not like now where many young people seem to be into negativism and hate".
It was during those days that his experimentation with LSD would lead him to what was later to become the definition of his life. As a young person doing far too much acid, he couldn't really understand when it finally caught up with him and gave him such an incredibly vivid experience that was so overwhelming, that it landed him in the hospital. "This experience became the basis of everything that I was to do in music, including the name Mahogany Rush, which was a description I would use to describe a certain sensation that I was having on the trip. The artwork on the albums, Child of the Novelty and Strange Universe are an artist's rendition of my trip as told by me to the artist, Ivan Schwartz, who has since passed away".
Since this early drug experience later became known to the press that covered his career, and since he played much in the style of Jimi Hendrix who had recently died, these sensationalists created stories that to this very day Frank has tried immensely and unsuccessfully to dismiss. "The most often heard story is that I took an overdose and woke up from a coma in the hospital and somehow became the spirit of Hendrix, or that I met this spirit and it entered me, endowing me with this amazing ability to play a guitar and magically know everything about it. Later on the story changed into a version that said I was in a car accident, died and came back as Jimi Hendrix in my body. They never ask me the truth and when I told them, they wouldn't listen. The short truth about it is that I learned how to play guitar while recuperating from my trip. The guitar became a soothing help for me because of my great fear of letting my mind wander back into the trip if I wasn't occupied and besides it was the only thing in the hospital relaxation room. I never even thought about the guitar before since I played the drums quite well anyway. I had this trip while Hendrix was still alive and began to play his music because it matched perfectly to what I was going through at the time".
It was only a few short years later after many different band members, that Frank Marino recorded his first album. "In the early years I played in a church and even on a float in a parade. I did mostly cover songs by The Doors, Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Cream, Johnny Winter, The Beatles and even The Grateful Dead as well as a few originals that I had written".
Frank Marino's music never reached the mainstream of popularity, but has had a devoted fan base that has grown over the years. Being sober now for over 35 years, he still plays with the enthusiasm that he's always had. Frank is into his music and doesn't really care for the business side of it and has always produced his own albums as well as writing and arranging all of the music. If you ever get a chance to see him play live, don't pass it up. I have been a devoted fan for 30 years and welcome any newcomers with open arms.
!!! Start Code To Apply Top Banner !!!!!!! End Code To Apply Top Banner !!!
Good afternoon Frank! Thanking you for the add. I must tell you it was an absolute pleasure to meet you at the station. You are by far one of the easiest people to talk with,(on all subjects) and we look forward to having you come back into the studio when you have the time. Here's to you and wishing you much success on your tour. Take good care, Darragh www.mohawk-radio.com
Thank you for the add....Bob and Cory from Columbus. You know we love you....gonna try to go to chicago...Saw u in cleveland last time you were there...awesome
Frank, Thanks so much for the add! Have been a fan for many years. Dragonfly is one of my favorite songs of all time. You remain a huge influence on my guitar playing. Good luck and rock on my friend! Jim
*****To all Mahogany Rush Fans****** Due to a glitch in our server,there has been a delay in posting our interveiw with Frank recently.We are resolving this issue and will keep you posted. Sorry for the delay. Bling & Maria www.mohawk-radio.com
Frank, Thank you so much for the soundtracks for my life. Tone,Power,Touch. I use you on my MySpace page for the sound.I also want to point out that in addition to your guitar, there is a great singing voice to go with it.!!
Hi Frank...just droppin by to say hi and hope all is well with you and your family, great seeing you play at BB Kings , once again brilliant performance.....hopefully we will see you at The Chance Oct 14th...my buddies say hi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob
aka Mr: President
That's because everyone thinks i look like the former President
ALL HAIL FRANK MARINO!!! Been jammin "Real Live" everyday for over a month now. Hoping y'all come back to the Detroit-Toledo area. If it's driving distance-we're there!!!
I will be dreaming of your show...gave my tickets to someone I love....Wish I could witness your brilliant talent...a chance in my lifetime...Love & Peace...rock on forever..maybe in the next life...Pamela