Copyright 2005 - 2010
Fran Productions
All Rights Reserved
Web Design: J. Sorensen
January, 2007
The DVD is literally an autobiography. Most of the story by Frances herself and she covers everything right from childhood, to her adventures at Motown and to the present.
It's a very interesting story of a very determined woman despite getting a "break" at Motown was never utilized to potential. A woman who in essence was exploited by various people and yet manages to remain positive with a "can do" attitude.
It's amazing how many business opportunities Frances has ventured into. One thing you can say about Frances - she does not give in easily.
The focus of the DVD is purely Frances' life story to date, someone who has gone from child soul singer to bedding designer to movie producer.
It's the story of an amazing life with many fun times.
Congratulations on a great documentary. It should be on BET.
You are a chosen lady to great things. You will see your rainbow, and all the riches of life, monetarily and healthwise.
A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Frances Nero has been
entertaining audiences with her powerful voice since the young age of three. She's recorded for Motown , Shrine , Motorcity Records , and she successuly founded her own record label, AJA Records , during the course
of her illustrious career. While signed to Motorcity Records , in the late
eighties and early nineties, she held the distinction of being the label's top
selling artist in the United Kingdom with hits like Footsteps Following Me .
Such a powerful voice and tremendous talent were bound to carry her to
the heights of stardom. Frances has boasted an impressive resume
throughout her career and the resume continues to grow. Even in the
face of some massive personal traumas in her life, she has continued to
thrive as an entertainer.
Most recently, Frances has also made a name for herself as a
screenwriter and producer. She wrote the script for the film Reject
Island , which she co-produced with actor and stuntman Jeremiah Yisrael,
and which was recently featured at the New York International Independent
Film and Video Festival . Frances also made a cameo appearance in the
film. Prior to this, in March, 2005, Frances joined other stellar Motown
alumni, including Martha Reeves, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, The
Velvelettes, The Contours, Gladys Horton, and Brenda Holloway, at the
Sands Hotel in Atlantic City for a historic concert. Additionally, Frances has
recently released her autobiography on DVD, titled Mountains, Motown &
Motion Pictures , and just finished a starring role in the film The Prodigal
Daughter . I was pleased and delighted to have the chance to talk with
Frances for Web Digest Weekly . This is a treat for all to enjoy.
JCP : Frances, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to
share with me.
FN : It’s more than a pleasure. I’m never too busy to take time out for the
fans of my music. I'm so grateful to them for their indisputable loyalty.
JCP : Tell us what you've been up to in recent months.
FN : I’ve been acting, I produced my autobiography, I just finished writing
another script, and now I’m working on the soundtrack for it.
JCP : Your DVD autobiography, Mountains, Motown, & Motion Pictures ,
was an ambitious project. Share some of that journey with us.
FN : It was painful and memorable, but most of all it was fulfilling to let the
fans see another side of me. I had no idea of the proper way a
documentary should be done, but then I thought, “Just do it your way,
Frances, it’s your story.” I’ve lost a lot of pictures of my past, so I had to
make do with what I had. At least some of my story has been told. I
should have titled the autobiography, Chapter 1 .
JCP : Was it reminiscent of Reject Island in terms of production?
FN : Actually, I wrote the original script as a stage play titled Menagerie A-
Fowl . Jeremiah Yisrael thought it was screenplay material. I changed the
name of the film to Reject Island . His son, Ithiell, wrote the screenplay
and Jeremiah directed and produced it. I am co-producer. I also wrote the
soundtrack, but I had no hand in the actual filming, which took place in
Jacksonville, Florida.
JCP : Sharing the stage in Atlantic City in the spring of 2005 with so many
of your former Motown label-mates must have been a delight for you.
Would you share some memories of that experience with us?
FN : It is the first time I have been associated with, or I should say shared
a venue with, other Motown artists in reference to Motown. I have
appeared with other Motown acts under the Motorcity roster. It was a
DVD filmed for the purpose of fundraising for PBS. This gave me the
opportunity to meet artists I had danced to in high school. What an
experience! I danced to Jerry Butler and The Impressions’ music and now
I'm sharing breakfast with this, and I mean it literally, this gentleman! I
was pinching myself! I met many wonderful artists I had danced to that
week. I also celebrated my birthday there, which is March 13th. I am
Pisces, the sign of creativity, mystique and dreamer of the future! I just
had to get that in! (smile). Seriously though, I’d like to thank Larry Cotton,
one of my loyal fans.
JCP : Are you planning any live dates in the near future?
FN : My publicist, Lynn Jackson, is already putting them in place. That’s her
job; I’ll let her do it. I have faith in her ability.
JCP : How about a new CD?
FN : Recording is very costly. If I could get Ian Levine and Motown to pay
me royalties, I could produce some mind boggling tracks. I didn’t secretly
study Smokey Robinson, Sylvia Moy and Ivy Hunter for nothing. I am an
awesome songwriter and I say this because God has endowed me with a
gift for expressions in ways of music, lyrics , humor and feelings. I am very
humble but I must give God His praise. All I need is exposure and a
chance. My friend Jeremiah exposed me to the movie world. It’s coming at
a slow pace but it’ll get here. I’m just going to keep busy creating and let
the others work their magic. God is busy collaborating! (smile)
JCP : Broadening your horizons into filmmaking was a giant step for you,
wasn't it?
FN : Yes indeedy! I didn’t realize it but, when I used to write and produce
little plays back in the fifties, God was preparing me for the future. I
thought all I would want to do is sing but now I can really do it all! I don’t
sleep good because my mind is always creating something!
JCP : Are you working on another film?
FN : Yes! The script I just finished is titled The Passing of Ezra Hazlette , a
comedy. I have started another script about domestic abuse with an
amazing new twist.
JCP : Tell us about being featured at the New York International
Independent Film and Video Festival .
FN : Well, we entered, we were chosen to have our film screened and,
since then, we have turned the film over to ITN Distribution . It’s a waiting
game now.
JCP : What inspires you the most?
FN : Everyday life, people and their situations, a phrase that someone
speaks, a thought that enters my mind, the variations of nature. It’s a
combination of things.
JCP : Where are you headed at this point in your career?
FN : I’d like to be headed toward making some money! ( laugh) I have so
many projects working right now it’s hard to say. Let’s just hope one them
hits the mark.
JCP : Now for the questions to satisfy your fans.
Married/Single/Divorced/Involved?
FN : Divorced.
JCP : Do you have any children?
FN : 3. A son, Darryl, and 2 daughters, Robin and Evealyn ( e-va- lyn).
JCP : Who were your influences?
FN : First and foremost, Dinah Washington. I would love to play her in a
movie! Pearl Bailey and Doris Day.
JCP : Favorite food:
FN : Peanut Butter and anything with peanuts, and chocolate anything!
Unfortunately I have to give them up because of my diabetes.
JCP : Favorite place:
FN : The UK! I’ve been there 7 times when promoting “Footsteps." They
treat me like a Princess over there! I love attention! The right kind, of
course. I want to thank Jeanne Sorenson for the trip in October of 2005.
Secondly, I love Las Vegas! I like to go in and out of the casinos and touch
all the theme sculptures and just be amazed!
JCP : What are your hobbies:
FN : Drawing and painting, playing the piano, playing Scrabble against the
computer, bowling. I love to make money and I have a Cosmetology &
Instructors License, so I sculpture chocolate edible body parts. I have a
line of erotic pillowcases and I also create and sell chocolate scented
cosmetics. I am working out designs for Nero’s Emporium on my website
to sell all of these products as well as my autobiography and music related
products I have produced.
JCP : Shoes, socks, or bare feet?
FN : Oh definitely some type of shoes. Getting the bottom of my feet dirty
is appalling! However, I love getting my hands dirty as in fixing things and
hammering and nailing.
JCP : What one kernel of wisdom would you like to share?
FN : Live life as if there’s no tomorrow! Tomorrow is not promised. Laugh a
lot! Love intensely! Be charitable but take care of home first! Don’t let a
day pass without telling someone special that you love them! I could go
on and on, but you didn’t ask me to write a book!
JCP : Finally, what are you most proud of?
FN : The fact that I was put on this earth to help those less fortunate, to
mentor kids who have no individual to guide them. The fact that I have
been blessed to accomplish the goals I have set for myself and that I now
have a new list, the people who have helped shape me into the person I
am today. I thank God for the good and bad experiences because those
are my teachers in the lessons of life. I am extremely proud of my children
and the grown-ups they turned out to be!
JCP : Thank you so much for sharing this time with me, Frances.
FN : Thank you for taking time to interview me. I hope I have given the
fans some insight and new information that they were interested in.
Everyone, feel free to email I love getting email!
Having the experience of interviewing Frances Nero has been one of the
highlights of my week. She's a lady of extraordinary talent, warmth and
charm, and enduring appeal. Her journey as an entertainer just keeps
unfolding like an enthralling play. I'm sure we'll all be waiting in the wings
for the next acts in her tour de force to come our way. Sharing her journey
is an exciting undertaking, and Frances is only too happy to let us in on it
with her. Our applause will laud her for years to come.
Frances' My Space page: www.myspace.com/francesnero
JC Parrish
www.webdigestweekly.com
My sweet friend Frances...Wonderful, what a beautiful tribute
for Dinah...all I can say, TOUR the world with it! I will be there, be sure of that...you are the syrup I need for my pancakes, hmmm, you know what I am talking about.
Your Belgian friend,
Jean Pierre
I am just old enough to have seen most ofthe Motown acts in the 60's but somehow I missed Francis. I immediately did some research on the soulful voiced lady and found a Best of...CD from Amazon. I then found Francis' website where I bought a DVD of her life story.
This DVD is really enlightening. It is not a slick public relations exercise but a very real insight into some difficult times in her life. There are lots of ol picture of musicians in and outside of Motown who influenced Francis, making this a valuable archive. Much of the dialogue is spoken by Frances herself and I must say, her strength and unwillingness to give in shines through, but, most of all is her slightly offbeat humor.
Even stronger is her love for her family and friends. A highlight for me was an interview with Ivy Jo Hunter. A musician and friend who has been around since the beginning of Motown. He has a twinkle in his eyes...and a chuckle that makes you smile.
The DVD also cover the Motorcity revival including various footage from a tour of England with appearances on British television, shows such as "Wogan" and "Hitman and Her". This section includes some delightful interviews with the Andantes, a very under rated part of Motown who, like the Velvelettes, are still producing great vocal sounds and are much appreciated in the UK.
The final part of the DVD covers Francis' latest project, a film, "Paradise Island". This has now been released as "Reject Island" and has some promising reviews. I think there is no stopping this lady!
All I need to do now is obtain a copy of this film, a copy of Francis' new
jazzy CD based on Dinah Washington and then hopefully see the girl on
stage in the UK. Then I will be happy.
John Brown
Northampton - England