If it were not for Roy Rogers, Frank Tribble may have never picked up a guitar.  But it was the sound of Kenny Burrell and wes Montgomery that really inspired the young guitarist from Cincinatti, Ohio. 

  After arriving in Des Moines to attend Drake University in 1968, Tribble began playing with Dartanyan Brown in a band called Star Theatre Company.  When that group disbanded, Tribble began a 30 year playing tradition with organist Sam Salomone.

  Eventually, Tribble started forming his own groups.  During his 34 years in Des Moines, he played with a who's sho of the jazz community including other Jazz Hall of Fame honorees like Joanne Jackson, Scott Smith, Rose marie webster, Stu Calhoon,  Julius Brooks, Jim Eklof and Bobby Dawson.  Tribble also has the distinction of performing in every Jazz in July since its inception (prior to his departure). 

  While pursuing his musical careeer at night, Tribble enjoyed a 14 year career with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, which included creating the city's popular "I'll Make Me A World" event.

  Although Tribble left Des Moines for Portland, Oregon in 2003, he truly left his mark on our community.