Jackie Frisco

Jackie Fusco was born in London, England, in 1946, but her parents settled in South Africa when she was still a baby. She won her first talent competition at the age of 5 and started singing professionally when she completed her schooling. In March 1961, when she was aged 15, she was invited as one of the main artists of the Rock Jamboree Show in Johannesburg, which was also attended by the legendary Mickie Most. He arranged for her to record her first 7” single, “When You Ask About Love / Wait A Minute”, with his group “The Playboys” providing backing. The single reached #7 on the SA Hit Parade, which was based on record sales, and in June 1962 #1 on the SA Radio Hit Parade, which was based on listener’s requests. On the LM Radio hit parade the single reached #4 and it was subsequently released in the USA by United Artists. Her success, no doubt, has to be (at least partially) attributed to her brother-in-law, Mickie Most, who met her sister in London in 1958 and the couple then decided to get married in South Africa in 1959 and to settle here. Eventually Mickie resided in South Africa until 1962 when the couple moved back to London. Mickie Most and the Playboys had eleven #1 international hits and he went on to become one of the most successful producers of all time, with his credits including artists such as Lulu, Herman’s Hermits, Suzi Quatro, Donovan, Kim Wilde and Racey. He passed away on 30 May 2003 from cancer, aged 64. In May 1961 the American artist, Gene Vincent (who will always be remembered for his hit “Be-Bop-A-Lula” from 1956), visited Mickie Most in South Africa and they also did a couple of shows together. In the process Jackie Frisco had the opportunity to meet Gene and they became good friends. In 1962 she released her only album, “When You Ask About… Jackie Frisco”, and in 1963 she settled in London where she became the lead vocalist for the Pete Chester Combo. By this time Jackie and Gene were going steady and they got engaged in July 1965. From September 1965 to January 1966 she and Gene toured South Africa. They were married on 10 April 1968, after which they settled in the USA, and she subsequently gave up her singing career to support him with his. Gene died in Newhall, California, on 12 October 1971 from a stomach ulcer, aged 36. All traces of Jackie’s whereabouts were lost after this.