Frank Isola

Who was Frank Isola?

Frank Isola was an American jazz drummer.

Isola was born and raised in Detroit and was heavily influenced by Gene Krupa. He played in the U.S. military during World War II, and then studied and performed in California with Bobby Sherwood and Earle Spencer. He then moved to New York City, where he played with Johnny Bothwell and Elliot Lawrence in 1947. Following this he played with Stan Getz and Gerry Mulligan, as well as with Mose Allison, Eddie Bert, Bob Brookmeyer, Jimmy Raney, Johnny Williams and Tony Fruscella. In 1957, Isola quit the music business after about 15 years of activity. However, he was spotted working as a drummer at Captain Hornblower's in Key West, Florida, in the late 1980s. Isola was also active in the Cass Corridor area of Detroit in the 1970s playing jazz standards with pianist Bobby MacDonald and others at Cobb's Corner Bar.