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Frankie Sestito

Frankie "Who" Sestito - Philadelphia area Disco DJ (Dec. 31, 1951 - Present)

 

Frankie Sestito discoFrankie Who Sestito DJ Frankie Who (Frankie Sestito) was one of the original club DJ's in the Philadelphia area. He was the resident DJ at the such clubs like, Frankie Sestito spun at:

  • The Library (City Line Avenue)
  • Music Box (Margate)
  • Loft (Philadelphia)
  • The Limelight (Philadelphia and NY)
  • Her Place
  • Someplace Else (Cherry Hill)
  • Flanigans
  • Popcorns (King of Prussia)
  • Scintillations
  • The River Deck (Manayunk)
  • Ciao!
  • Second Story
Frankie is most renowned as the lead DJ for Philadelphias premiere nightclub, the legendary Second Story, and his contributions helped make The Second Story one of the most successful nightclubs in Philadelphia history. Frankie Sestito continued to hone his skills by doing studio mixes at Queen Village and Alpha recording studios, working with song producers Giuliano Salerni, Andy Kahn, Kurt Borusiewicz and Nick Martinelli. Frankie also did many radio mixes on WCAU-FM. Known as a pioneer in the dance music industry, Frankie was the person instrumental for bringing the first record pool to the Philadelphia area -- The Pocono Record Pool, along with Frank Lembo. Frankie was an original Billboard reporter and held that position for over 13 years. For his efforts, he was awarded Billboards Philadelphia DJ of the Year award. Previously, Frankie owned a successful club sound reinforcement company that designed and installed sound and lighting systems in many of the clubs in the tri-state area. Currently, Frankie works in a different industry but remains a part of the Philadelphia music scene. Over the last three years Frankie has organized many successfully Philadelphia nightclub reunions and continues to set new standards in club entertainment. DJ Frankie "Who" (real name Frankie Sestito) was one of the original club DJs in the Philadelphia area. Frankie the Philadelphia branch of the Pocono Record Pool and was a Billboard reporter that won their Philadelphia's DJ of the Year award. Owned FSA custom sound. Did a number of studio mixes at Queen Village and Alpha recording studios as well as TEC records with Nicky Martenelli. Still living in Philly with wife Valerie (Knight Luzi) Sestito longtime disco dj and co-host of WOGL's 98.1 morning show in Philadelphia. DJ FrankieWho (Frankie Sestito)
Photo of Frankie Goodman & DJ Frankiewho
disco
Larry Levan, Phil Mancini and Frank Sestito in Philly at a Pocono Record Pool awards dinner.


 
 

Submitted by second story dj (6)

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  • lisa davila

    Hey Frankie

    Its Lisa Z from mom's pizza. Mom told me to contact you. I have a weimaraner that needs a home. She is 3 years old with no health problems. She has lots of energy and likes to sit on the couch with you.

    I was wondering if you wanted her.

    Talk to you soon.
    Lisa
    You can get my number at the pizza store 215-487-2440. Currently I live in North Carolina but I will bring her up to meet you.

     
     

  • eddie bowman

    Where did the "Who" come from?

     
     

  • BENNIE POLANCO

    l used to be one of the dancers for edie ramos and the head liners l would love to talk to edie can you please give my email to edie..





    bennie

     
     

  • harry, bobbi, terrel, slaide, lou, etc

    what's up?

     
     

  • Frankie Sestito


    Joel; I still have the photo's from England...long time since we have talked... glad to hear you are still with Donna...hit me up sometime at dawho@secondstoryreunion.com

    Take care,
    Frankie

     
     

  • Joel BERKOWITZ

    As you used to say "Yo Skunk" long time since Rod Stewart days at the Filmore and community collage Not to mention England and All those boots we bought.
    I'm still with Donna we would love to hear from you if possible.
    get in touch. You still have pictures from England?

     
     

  • Chris Kelly

    Frankie,
    Just a note to say hi after all of these years....I hope you and Val are doing great. When I reminisce about the old days, I still remember Sunday afternoons at your house on Henry Ave, your German Weimaraner "Count", helping you go through all of the promo records you had rec'vd that week and determining which ones you were going to add to your repertoire the following week at "Club Ramada". Plenty of nights at the Library, listening to Val play and enjoying the night. Well, just wanted to drop you and note to say hi and wish you and Val the very best!

    Chris Kelly

     
     

  • djfrankiewho

    Jimmy; that is a great story and glad you made a journal, believe it or not.. We have converted a number of those 10.5 reels to digital and still get to enjoy them.
    The Reunion is just around the corner, stay informed at secondstoryreunion.com it's going to be a blast.

    Take care,
    Djfrankiwho

     
     

  • Jim van Etten (JimmyJoe)

    Frankie, I use to beg cassettes off you. I remember one night I came down to see you at the Ramada and afterwards we went to Glitters. One incident sticks in my mind was when you had made me a cassette the same night you made one for Guillermo (Pasion). Guillermo and I were standing just below the DJ booth and you motioned to us and we both reached out at the same time for the tape. I said "that's mine", Guillermo retorted "it's mine". We both then looked to you, you had a smile on your face, and then gave us the other one. I was wary, as Guillermo has a black belt. I've kept a journal all my life and often read them for entertainment, so I rememebr. As the SS was a big part of my life from '78 thru '85 I often read about you, and Valerie, and it is as if I am transported back to the dance floor. Sunday nights were especially memorable. I'd love to help out with the planning, no job too samll. cheers

     
     

  • DJjazzyJ

    Hi Frankie...how's Val? Val taught me how to spin discs at SPE. Hi Val...I'll never forget the time you let me make a tape at SPE after the teen disco was over one Sunday evening...thank you for inspiring me. Hey Carter Burnette...Are you out there? Remember you friend Jeff who learned to spin around the same time as you at SPE Teen Disco??? Say hello sometime...where the heck are you living these days? Let's get together and talk about the old days. I've still got all the old music!!

     
     

  • secondstorydj


    Gene; great to hear back from you.. We just returned from Italy..Giuliano has a page on Bernie's site also.. Giuliano hopes be back in the states during the Christmas Holidays, hopefully we can all meet up then.

    Take care and cya soon.

    Frankiewho

     
     

  • Ricky "D"

    DJ Frankiewho, if you would be so gracious as to forward my e-mail address to Frankie "G" I would be most grateful. Hope you are well. Thanx.

     
     

  • Gene_Leone_Mix

    FRANKIE!!! Wow! So great to hear from YOU & VALERIE! I was wondering how You Two have been doing! *lol*

    I'll tell Ya... I have thought of Second Story often... Gayle Kerri (RIP) & I up in the booth watching You guys work, with YOU just ripping the roof off the place! It never got old... Some really Great Nights back then. If You and Valerie see Juliano Salerni in Italy, by all means please tell him that I said Hi, too.

    Lots of GREAT, Classic Philly, Second Story Memories of Fantastic Music & Mixes & Fun!

    ~No Matter What, Keep Kickin' It With Great Music!~
    Smiles & Thank You Both,
    Gene

    Gene_Leone_Mix
    &
    SoulfulPlanet.com
    ~~~
    RE: >"Gene; Frankie Sestito here, really good to see you, Valerie said she saw you not so long ago...I still stay in close touch with Giuliano Salerni "Strange Affair" plus the others you worked on; and we hope to visit him in Italy this summer...I must say without a doubt you perform magic in the studio and are truly a master at your craft. I just viewed your space.. it's fantastic... take care and keep the music alive"

     
     

  • secondstorydj


    Of course Rickyd... Things are great and I talk to Gman almost every otherday. we still talk music and our great nightclub haydays and nights, and yes he is still in Georgia doing well, hopefully with a visit North soon afer the snow clears. It's Great to hear your still spinning in Philly.. I'm still here also....

    Stay well
    Frankiewho

     
     

  • deejayrickyd

    Greetings & how have you been? I've been thinking about you & G-Man. My last address on him was Dunwoodie, GA. I am still actively spinning in Philly and would appreciate a reply if you remember me. Thanks!

     
     

  • second story dj

    Yo Legs, yes we will be at the benefit, good memories of Lenny's and Lucy...can you remember when we used to get shut down by the cops for the music being too loud..LOL..the Luxman amps and Voice of the Theater speakers along with Rosner's custom Bass horn would echo off the ocean.
    The Music Box was always touted at "A Club worth leaving New York for"..Stay well...

    xxoo
    Frankiwho..

     
     

  • Lisa Legs

    Hey Frankie
    I can't believe I stumbled across this site - I'll jog your memory!!
    SS was the best !! But do you remember the endless nights at the Music Box with "The Eddie Ramos" dancers....
    I served drinks until 2 am in the morning, then we all went to Lenny's Hot Dogs and then it was off to AC to party at the Chez on New York Avenue until sunrise....
    We all danced to your mixes until our feet bled !! It was the best !
    I think of you often and hope you are well......maybe I'll see you and Valerie at Guido's benefit

    Lisa Leggs

     
     

  • jim chenault

    yo Frankie
    It looks like some of us lived to tell the stories.

    I just wish i could remember them.

     
     

  • whateverphl

    Hey gang! Carterette is in the house! My name is Carter Burnette. I was a light man at SomePlace Else, The 2nd Story and Catacombs. I worked with Valerie Luzi, Keith Wynstrup, Frankie Who, Billy Kennedy, David Todd and of course Wayne Geftman.

    I wanted to thank all of you for the great learning experience that you provided me. Now I am also known as DJ Benz and am grateful for all of the tricks I learned while working with all of you.

    HUGS.....Carterette

     
     

  • second story dj


    Hey Greggie C... sup?? Things are fine in Philly, everyone is still Happy & Healthy on this end, I hope you and your's the same.....Merry Merry/Happy Happy..talk soon.

    Luv Da Who (djfrankiewho)

     
     

  • Greg Curran

    Hey franky just sayinh hello. I came across this by accident. Tel val hi too. I miss the old days with irv. Give me a shout> God bless Greggie C

     
     

  • mICKEY mCkENNA

    Before Phila Frankie G was at Brothers 3 in South Amboy NJ , and gave me a short lesson on spinning in the basement . I took that through to the late 80's with a set of my own 1200's
    At that time Frankie and his friend " Billy" were brainstormng an idea about an after hours club. That idea ended up being Poor Billy's in Woodbridge . Even though Billy dies in a tragic accident a couple of years ago the place still thrives as a mainstream restaurant

     
     

  • second story dj


    Ginny..well you may be one of handful of people who still remember Wagner's Ballroom..its nice of you to write, everything is fine on this end, and I wish the same to your family...luv Frankie

     
     

  • second story dj


    I have not been able to locate Lembo although I have tried. I spoke with Marty Angelo not so long ago and he told me he is doing something with vintage car restoration in NE PA.
    I have been passing Bernie's site around to everyone I know in the biz and sooner or later I will get some contact info on him and pass it on.

     
     

  • Virginia Williamson

    I met Frankie Sestito a long time ago at Wagner's Ballroom in Philly & was thinking of him recently, wondering how he is & what he is doing - so i searched & found this site.

    Frankie - if you read this - i hope you & yours are healthy & happy after all these years!
    With love, Ginny Williamson

     
     

  • Del

    Frankie, I sent some pictures from the Story and Someplace Else including you and Jimmy. I'm going to ask if Bernie (the site manager) can move some to the Story and Someplace Else pages.

     
     

  • Del

    Frankie was a great DJ who had a keen sense of timing with his audience. He always knew when to bring down the tempo and then when to bring them to a frenzy.

    From a production standpoint, his work with Kurt Borusiewicz on Karen Young's classic - Hot Shot and his mix of John Gibbs & the Jam Band's, J'Ouvert (the drum break and dub effects are classic) are a testament to Frankie WHO's skills.

    Frankie was a true "Professional DJ" and a DJ pioneer in the Philadelphia.


     
     

  • prince2u

    Would anyone know about Frank Lembo who was a friend of Frank Sestito and Owner the Pocono Record Pool. Been trying to find out what happened to that great guy ?

     
     


 

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