Sapphire Star – Bongo Boy Records

ABOUT THE ALBUM
With influences rooted in classic R&B, Garage Rock, and Pop, Gar Francis Songbook, Vol. Two delivers an energetic, feel-good listening experience that bridges timeless songwriting with modern production. Every performance bursts with personality, attitude, and infectious hooks while remaining faithful to the spirit of Gar Francis' original compositions.
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Sapphire Star Steps Into the Spotlight with Gar Francis Songbook, Vol. Two

Bongo Boy Records proudly presents Gar Francis Songbook, Vol. Two, the debut studio album featuring Sapphire Star, the distinctive vocal project created and developed by producer Monique Grimme through her groundbreaking work with Sapphire Star Studios.

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Over the past two years, Sapphire Star has emerged as a unique musical voice, born from Monique Grimme's vision of blending innovative studio production with expressive, emotionally driven vocals. Since its introduction, Sapphire Star has become the featured voice on numerous original songs written by acclaimed songwriter Gar Francis, earning praise for bringing his lyrics and melodies to life with warmth, depth, and character.

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Now, for the first time, Sapphire Star takes center stage on a complete album dedicated to the songwriting of Gar Francis.
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ALBUM REVIEW
Gar Francis Songbook, Vol. Two is a jubilant celebration of the lasting power of a well-built song. These compositions may have waited years to be heard, but their hooks, energy, and personality feel anything but dated. Fans of classic R&B, 1960s pop, garage rock, and music that simply refuses to sit still should find plenty to love here.

Our final verdict? Highly Recommended.
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ALBUM REVIEW
There is something wonderfully reassuring about an album that understands where soul music (in the fullest extent of the meaning) came from but has no intention of simply recreating the past. Rather, this is an album that borrows the finest ingredients from six decades of rhythm and blues, Motown, doo-wop and gospel, to reinterpret this long-lost part of Francis’ musical canon, blending them into something that feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.
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TUESDAY JUNE 9. 2026

Sapphire Star Revives a Lost Rock 'N' Roll Treasure with New Single "Diddle Diddy Dee"

Available Worldwide June 9 on Bongo Boy Records

A remarkable chapter in rock music history comes full circle this June as recording artist Sapphire Star releases her highly anticipated new single, "Diddle Diddy Dee," available worldwide on June 9 through Bongo Boy Records.

Written by award-winning songwriter Gar Francis and produced by Monique Grimme for Sapphire Star Studios and Bongo Boy Records, "Diddle Diddy Dee" carries a unique story that spans more than a decade and pays tribute to one of rock music's most influential eras.

Inspired by "Louie Louie," the iconic hit made famous by the legendary 1960s American rock band, the Kingsmen, "Diddle Diddy Dee" was originally envisioned as a vehicle for the band's unforgettable lead singer, Jack Ely. In 2015, at the request of Gar Francis, producer Monique Grimme personally presented the song to Ely. Tragically, only a few months later, Ely passed away in April 2015 before the project could be completed and recorded.

What might have remained an unfinished musical dream has now been brought to life.

Today, Bongo Boy Records proudly unveils "Diddle Diddy Dee" as a vibrant new recording performed by Sapphire Star and produced by Monique Grimme, who also lends her vocals to the track. Blending vintage rock-and-roll energy with modern production, the song captures the spirit of the classic era while introducing a fresh and contemporary sound.
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FOR YOUR GRAMMY® CONSIDERATION