About Frank
Frank Clay Stader-Hill (Frank Hill 1937-2022) was the grandson of a cowboy, a child of the Great Depression, a student of the earth, the sanctity of life, and the ever-present joy of getting by on getting by.
Frank wrote hundreds of poems and songs over the years, performing them in small venues, house concerts and numerous folk festivals. His favorite fest was the Kerrville Folk Festival where he earned the honorary title, “King of the Campfires” for his uncanny ability to pick and grin from dusk till dawn.
He was among the first 5,000 computer programmers in the 1960s, which afforded him the opportunity to work on the Project Apollo.
Frank is survived by his loving family and too many friends and fans to count. He touched and changed a lot of lives for the better which is really the best legacy any of us can leave, isn’t it?
Songs
Saturday Night In Austin
“The night life is the sweetest down in Austin
Frank C. Hill, Saturday Night In Austin
That’s why I dream of Texas everyday.”
You Take A Nickle
“You can pretty much tell ’bout what a man knows
Frank C. Hill, You Take A Nickle
By the way he handles his dominoes.”
Sweet ‘N’ Mellow
“Warm and real are the good times we have found.”
Frank C. Hill, Sweet ‘N’ Mellow
Songbooks
Frank documented dozens of songs in several songbooks.
- Campfire Songs and Hillcountry Ballads (1982)
- Late Forties Rock ‘N’ Roll (1987)
- Lines, Lyrics and Lies (1991).
Live to Pick, Pick to Live.
– a saying so synonomous with Frank that he made it into a bumper sticker
Facebook Fans
As a fixture at the Kerrville Folk Festival for decades, Frank was part of a beloved community and had many fans. Join the Frank Hill FANatics group on Facebook to join the community of friends and fans.
“My ‘Kerrville Frank’ memories are strong, vibrant and happy.” – Frank Fan
Videos
Documentary
In 2018 SpringStreet Films released “a tribute to the music of one of Texas’ original cosmic cowboys.” Named from one of Frank’s songs, OLD BANDIT TIME captures Frank in his natural habitat: sitting outside, telling stories and trading songs.
“His legend preceded him. He goes deep.
– Doug Coppock, New Folk Finalist (85, 87, 88)
The songs that he does are Kerville roots music.”
Under Construction…
Here is a selection of a few of Frank’s most requested numbers. See the Songs page for a catalog of Frank’s writings.
