Francis Joseph (“Frankie”) Nash (1908–1976)

Francis Joseph Nash was a musician and fisherman. The father of six children, he became a widower at a young age. Frankie, as he was more commonly known, lived his entire life in Branch. His mother, Annie Collins, was the source of much of his music. Originally from southeast Placentia, she received an education that included voice and organ lessons from the Presentation Sisters in Placentia. When she came to teach in Branch, she met and married Frankie’s father, Johnny Nash.

Annie passed on her musical gifts to her sons: in addition to acquiring a vast repertoire of songs, Frankie learned to play the tin whistle and flute; his brother Patrick could play the harmonica. Frankie lived at a time when there were many good singers and musicians in Branch. In addition to the songs and music handed down from Annie, Frankie picked up his music from other members of the community.

Frankie was generous about sharing his music and songs, both with members of his community and with visitors. Collector/performers like Anita Best and Pamela Morgan have recorded songs learned from Frankie. Shortly before his passing, Frankie performed with the band Ryan’s Fancy in a performance that appeared as part of a CBC documentary that was dedicated to his memory. In recognition of Frankie’s musical contributions, members of his community have erected a headstone with the inscription: “Let there always be a song for him to sing.”

Frankie’s granddaughter, Stephanie, is now the bearer of his musical legacy. At the age of 17, she released a CD titled, “Holdin’ On,” an album of traditional songs from Newfoundland and Ireland. She continues to perform at community events and in church services.

To commemorate the 40^th anniversary of Frankie’s passing, Stephanie recorded one of her grandfather’s favourite songs, “The Mountains of Mourne.” She sings a duet with her late grandfather with the aid of a field recording of Frankie singing in his kitchen, a performance that spans the space of more than 40 years and demonstrates how song traditions continue to be handed down. 

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Biographical Information

Courtesy of Stephen Nash & Stephanie Nash-Pearce