Representative Albums: "Rock and Roll Music," "Through the Eyes of Love," "Frost Music"
Representative Song: "Rock and Roll Music"
Biography
Detroit rockers the Frost were led by singer/guitarist Dick Wagner, a longtime staple of the southeast Michigan music scene who during the early 1960s led local favorites the Bossmen. After the Bossmen disbanded -- bassist Mark Farner later went on to form Grand Funk Railroad -- Wagner founded the Frost with guitarist Don Hartman, bassist Jack Smolinski and drummer Bob Riggs; after exchanging Smolinski for Gordy Garris, the group debuted in 1968 with the single "Bad Girl," and upon signing to Vanguard they issued their 1969 debut LP Frost Music, scoring a regional smash with the single "Mystery Man." Rock and Roll Music, recorded live at Detroit's famed Grande Ballroom, followed later that same year, but despite earning a cult following throughout the midwest the Frost failured to capture a national audience, and in the wake of 1970's Through the Eyes of Love the group disbanded. Wagner later went on to considerable success as a session guitarist, working with artists including Lou Reed, Alice Cooper and Peter Gabriel. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
The bassist was Gordy Garris, drummer was Bob Rigg, Rhythm and Lead Guitarist was Don Hartman.
The Frost recorded three albums for Vanguard Records, "Frost Music", "Rock and Roll Music", and "Through the Eyes of Love." All three albums, plus a 'best of' compilation album,are available on CD from Vanguard Records.
The Frost were one of the top Detroit area bands of the era, however very poor album cover artwork, distribution and promotion by Vanguard hampered the band and caused them to miss the national success that other Detroit bands like Bob Seger and Grand Funk Railroad were to achieve.
There have been several Frost reunion concerts over the years, especially while Dick Wagner still lived and performed in Michigan. The reunions have included Wagner, Hartman and Rigg.
