Franchesca Robi, daughter of late Platters singer Paul Robi is debuting her new album, “Remembering The Platters, Songs of my Father.” Franchesca is no stranger to Capitol Records Studios.
The album marks her return to the Hollywood studio after a two-decade hold on her music career to build a marriage and family. During her time away from the music industry she also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cal State Northridge. On her new album she is joined by a complete orchestra and a well star studded cast of supporting voices including Dan Wallin, Tim Simonec, George Doering, Chuck Berghoffer, Peter Erskine, Jim Cox and Gene Cipriano.
I actually met Franchesca on the baseball field as both our boys played tee-ball on the same team that her husband coached. I must say that I have never met a more down to earth, loving couple. They are kind, generous and easy to talk to. Its no surprise, then, that her voice is as beautiful as she is.
I actually learned of Franchesca’s talent at an end of the season baseball party she and her husband hosted. As the guests left, we were struck by the wonderful music playing in the background and we all stopped asking for the name of the singer. Her voice was soulful, smooth and, well, simply extraordinary. Imagine my surprise when I learned that it was our host, Franchesca. I was shocked as I didn’t know she was a singer, and I was even more surprised when I learned that she is the daughter of the late Paul Robi of the Platters. For those of you who aren’t up on your music history, The Platters recorded their first number No. 1 hit “Only You” at Capital Records. Within a year they had 10 number 1 hits, including, “The Great Pretender,” “Twilight Time, “ “Smoke Gets in your Eyes,” “My Prayer,” “The Magic Touch,” “Enchanted,” “I’m Sorry” and “Heaven on Earth”. They were also internationally known stars, appearing in movies and television as well as performing all over the world. The Platters were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
Paul Robi was the group’s Baritone and had both a tremendous ear for harmonies as well as vocal coaching. Franchesca remembers watching her father rehearsing The Platters in their home. What an amazing childhood memory that is- can you imagine? “The notes and melodies heard in my living room, that are now so embedded in my heart,” said Franchesca, “were the songs of The Platters.”
In 1988 Robi was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was so weak that he could no longer perform for his adoring fans. It was at this time that her father asked her to join his group. “I knew all of the music note by note,” she said “and like my father, I felt I was capable of coaching the singers and rehearsing the musicians. I decided to try it and everyone loved it. After watching my father perform for so many years, it was second nature to me. I began traveling, performing The Platters music all over the world.” When Paul Robi passed away in 1989 Franchesca took the time to reevaluate her life goals, stop touring, and go back to school to earn her degree.
“This new album is my way of honoring my father’s memory by keeping The Platters music alive” said Franchesca. I couldn’t agree more. Her album is beautiful and heartwarming and her voice will captivate you. The love she had for her father is evident in each of the songs, as is her passion for the music. Those of you who take the time to listen are in for a real treat. You can click here to preview and purchase the album on iTunes. It think you’ll agree that not only is it a lovely tribute, but it is also an amazing album. Congratulations Franchesca!
