Frank Perkins was an American composer born in Salem, Massachusetts in 1908. His career spanned the popular song tradition of the early-to-mid twentieth century, producing work across multiple formats including popular songs, band compositions, and film scoring. Perkins is best remembered for Stars Fell on Alabama, written with lyricist Mitchell Parish, which became one of the most recognized songs of the era and an enduring jazz standard covered by countless artists. He also composed Fandango, described as his band classic, which achieved popularity in the dance band and big band repertoire. Perkins contributed to Hollywood as well, composing music for animated shorts and other film projects during the golden age of studio music. He died in Los Angeles in 1988.
