You may recognize Franke Previte from having co-written the Dirty Dancing classic "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" and his songs "Sweetheart," and "Hungry Eyes." The New Brunswick born singer had a surprise party in Belmar at the home of rock photographer Richard Hoynes. Among those in attendance were former Knockouts bass player, Leigh Fox, our own Big Joe Henry, and "Decades of Divas" star Lisa Sherman, who put the whole thing together.

Franke actually has had the "time of his life!" In 1987, he won the Academy award for Best Original Song for Dirty Dancing's "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" with co-composers John DeNicola and Donald Markowitz. That same year, Previte also received a Golden Globe, a Grammy nomination, and the ASCAP song of the year award. Recently, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers put the song on a list of the Top 20 songs ever written, landing at number 15.

Franke and I go back to the Knockouts days when he used to come on my morning show. Our friendship grew as he had me bring him on stage at places like the old Garden State Arts Center, Monmouth College, and Great Adventure. He also had me accompany him to meet the Philadelphia radio people long before I started working there. That meant so much to me when I was starting out and I never forgot it. He truly is a "Sweetheart" of a guy. That, to me, is when a 'Jersey Guy" is all about.

 

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