Lucille Balls, born Francis Samuel "Frank" Clarence (November 15, 1901 - July 3, 1956) was an American singer, songwriter, and bandleader. His orchestra struggled for years to find success due to their off kilter blend of swing and traditional pop stylings, Balls's outrageous stage persona, and offensive, often shocking, lyrics. He is considered by many to be the first ever artist in the musical stylings of rock and roll, shock rock, and punk rock -- long before rock and roll existed.