Frank Noah Proffitt was born on June 1, 1913, in Laurel Bloomery, Tennessee. He was an Appalachian old-time banjoist and singer. During Frank's childhood, his family moved from North Carolina to the Beaver Dam community of Watauga County. In 1938, Proffitt met folk song collectors Anne and Frank Warner, leading to a long friendship and the collection of many of his songs. In 1961, Proffitt released the album Frank Proffitt Sings Folk Songs under Folkway Records. The album contained songs such as "Beaver Dam Road," "Down In The Valley," and "Baby-O." His album Frank Proffitt Of Reese, North Carolina was released in 1962, which included the notable folk song, "Tom Dooley." He performed at significant events such as the 1963 Newport Folk Festival. Following his death on November 24, 1965, at age 52, the Frank Proffitt Memorial Album was released in 1968.
