Frank Nagai

Frank Nagai in 1957.

Frank Nagai (フランク 永井; March 18, 1932 – October 27, 2008^[1]) was a Japanese singer. Known for an attractive low tone voice. His real name is Kiyoto Nagai (永井 清人 Nagai Kiyoto).

Image at vinyl record for Yūrakuchō de Aimashō (1957) featuring Frank Nagai.

Life

Frank Nagai was born in Matsuyama, Miyagi, Japan. He had his major debut in 1954 when he was discovered by composer Tadashi Yoshida (吉田 正). He had many hit songs such as Yurakucho de Aimasho, Tokyo Night Club, Kimi Koishi, and Omae ni. He also appeared in motion pictures, including the film Nishi Ginza Eki Mae (1958), for which he sang the title song.

He enjoyed immense popularity as a singer in Japan. He is credited with discovering female singer Kazuko Matsuo (松尾 和子), who later became quite famous. The two often sang duets together.

His singing career was favorable, but he attempted suicide on October 21, 1985. He tried to hang himself, distressed that his lover bore a child.

He escaped death, but the attempted suicide left him with permanent brain damage. He never recovered.^{[citation needed]}

Notable songs

• （有楽町で逢いましょう Yūrakuchō de Aimashō） lit. Lovers in Yurakucho aka Let's Meet in Yurakuchô (1957)
• Nishi Ginza Station square （西銀座駅前 Nishi-ginza ekimae） (1958)
• Tokyo of 3:00AM （東京午前三時 Tokyo Gozen Sanji） (1958)
• Tokyo Night Club （東京ナイト・クラブ Tokyo Night Club） (1959)
• I yearn for you （君恋し Kimi Koishi） (1961)
• For you （おまえに Omae Ni） (1972)
• Kiriko's Tango （霧子のタンゴ Kiriko no Tango） (1962)
• Osaka Roman （大阪ろまん） (1966)
• Sixteen Tons (cover song)

References

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