Frankie Manning Passes Away May 26, 1914 – April 27, 2009

Lindy Hop innovator Frankie Manning passed away peacefully early on the morning of April 27th. He was less than a month away from his 95th birthday. Frankie entered the hospital a week and a half ago, due to problems with his medication. Then on Friday, he was taken into the intensive care unit after he developed pneumonia.

Frankie Manning was Lindy Hop’s unofficial ambassador, and is credited with the invention of the Lindy aerial. You can see him in action (in the denim overalls) as part of Whitey’s Lindy
Hoppers in Hellzapoppin (1941).

He touched thousands around the world with his gentle nature and love of the dance. I had the privilege of taking a class from him at Swing Camp Catalina a few years ago. He will be missed but always remembered by Lindy Hoppers who were fortunate enough to meet him. – Brian 4/28/2009