Bongo Boy Records

★★★★★

Official Press Announcement

A Long-Awaited Collection of Lost Songs Arrives Worldwide on August 7, 2026

Bongo Boy Records Announces Gar Francis Songbook, Vol. Two by Sapphire Star

Songwriter, Music Arranger Gar Francis

Music Producer Monique Grimme

★★★★★

Genre: R&B, 60's Pop/Rock

COMING AUGUST 7th 2026

Frelinghuysen, NJ— The excitement is building at Bongo Boy Records as the label proudly announces the upcoming worldwide release of Gar Francis Songbook, Vol. Two by Sapphire Star, arriving on all major digital streaming platforms on Friday, August 7, 2026.

Produced by Monique Grimme for Bongo Boy Records, Gar Francis Songbook, Vol. Two features 12 original songs, all written and arranged by acclaimed songwriter Gar Francis. Many of the songs on this collection have remained hidden for years, existing only as rough demos that never reached the public—until now.



The album's first single, "Diddle Diddy Dee," released earlier this year on Bongo Boy Records, introduced listeners to the vibrant energy of the project and quickly became a favorite among fans. Another highlight is "Turn Your Love on Me," a song that listeners of Little Steven Van Zandt's Underground Garage on SiriusXM Channel 21 may recognize from The Doughboys' 2010 album Act Your Rage. Now, the song receives an exciting new interpretation under the Sapphire Star banner.

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.



Monique Grimme not only produced the album but also used her inspiration to design its cover artwork, giving the project a visual identity that reflects the music's vintage soul and contemporary edge.

"This album is a gem," says Grimme. "These songs are fun, kick-butt, high-energy R&B with a punch of Garage Rock and just enough Pop woven into the fabric of today's sound. Under the artist name Sapphire Star, these songs truly came alive, and now they're finally here for everyone to enjoy."

For Grimme, the project has been deeply personal. "What once were rough demos of Gar Francis' songs have become as organic as music can be today. Sitting in the studio, you could literally hear these incredible songs come to life. Some of them made me cry then, and they still do today. When you pour your heart and soul into music, you can't stop the mascara from making you look like a raccoon! I should know better than to wear waterproof mascara when working with Gar Francis.

We first met in 2010, and after more than fifteen years, you'd think I'd have learned by now."

The album represents more than a collection of songs—it also reflects the evolving landscape of modern music production. Bongo Boy Records remains committed to creating a consumer-friendly, fan-friendly, and user-friendly environment where transparency is paramount. The label believes listeners should always understand how music is created and presented.

While artificial intelligence* was utilized as an assistance studio tool during the production process, every song on the album ultimately relied 100% upon Gar Francis' lyrics, original music arrangements, human taste, discernment, creativity, style, musical direction, and artistic judgment. Those human elements shaped every arrangement, performance, production decision, and final mix, ensuring each recording earned its place on the album.



As the music industry continues to evolve for songwriters, producers, artists, and record labels alike, Bongo Boy Records embraces both the opportunities and the challenges that accompany new technology.

"We're not afraid of where music is going," says Grimme. "We're excited to help shape its future while honoring the craftsmanship that great songwriting deserves."

Following its worldwide digital release on August 7, 2026, Gar Francis Songbook, Vol. Two will be submitted to The Recording Academy® for consideration for the 69th GRAMMY Awards®.

Gar Francis Songbook, Vol. Two by Sapphire Star stands as both a celebration of timeless songwriting and a bold step forward into the next chapter of music production—where innovation and authentic artistry work hand in hand.

Release Date: Friday, August 7, 2026

Label: Bongo Boy Records

Artist: Sapphire Star

Producer: Monique Grimme

Songwriter/Arranger: Gar Francis

Distribution: Worldwide on digital streaming platforms 

MUSIC CREDITS



All Songwriting by Gar Francis

Music Composer and Music Arranger: Gar Francis

Music Producer: Monique Grimme

Mixed & Mastered by Sapphire Star Studios and Bongo Boy Records

Location: Frelinghuysen, New Jersey

Studios: Sapphire Star Studios, Sony Vegas Studio, Suno (partial), and Arcanalabs.

More about Gar Francis

Gar Francis is an American songwriter, guitarist, arranger, co-founder of Bongo Boy Records, and producer whose music blends the raw energy of Garage Rock, the soul of Rhythm & Blues, and the timeless appeal of classic Pop and Rock. Over the course of his career, he has written hundreds of original songs, earning recognition for his memorable melodies, driving guitar work, and authentic songwriting style.



A longtime member of The Doughboys, Francis has contributed to the band's acclaimed recordings and performances, including songs that received airplay on Little Steven Van Zandt's Underground Garage on SiriusXM. Beyond his work as a performer, his extensive songbook reflects decades of creativity, with many compositions remaining unheard until their recent revival.

Through projects such as Gar Francis Songbook, his previously unreleased songs have found new life under the artist name Sapphire Star, produced by Monique Grimme for Bongo Boy Records. These recordings celebrate Francis' enduring talent as a songwriter, bringing his catalog to a new generation of listeners while honoring the spirit and originality of his music.

(press photo credit: Rich Hall)

More about Monique Grimme

Monique Grimme is a Dutch record producer, songwriter, composer, recording artist, and music marketing executive. As the co-founder of Bongo Boy Records, she has produced and promoted artists from around the world while overseeing numerous album releases, music videos, television productions, and international marketing campaigns. Known for her creative vision and commitment to artist development, Grimme combines traditional music production with innovative technologies to create compelling recordings that honor the songwriting craft. Her work continues to support independent artists while embracing the evolving future of the music industry with transparency, authenticity, and artistic excellence.

More about Bongo Boy Records

Bongo Boy Records is an independent record label based in New Jersey, dedicated to discovering, producing, and promoting exceptional artists across a wide range of musical genres. Since its founding, the label has built an international reputation for championing both emerging and established talent through innovative music releases, worldwide digital distribution, radio promotion, television exposure, and strategic marketing campaigns.



Committed to artistic integrity and creative freedom, Bongo Boy Records embraces new technologies while maintaining a strong focus on quality songwriting, musicianship, and production. The label believes in creating a music environment where transparency and authenticity remain at the forefront of every release.

With an ever-growing catalog of original recordings, compilation albums, music videos, and television programming, Bongo Boy Records continues to connect artists with audiences around the world while helping shape the future of independent music.

For additional information, interviews, or media inquiries, please contact Bongo Boy Records.

*AI-Assisted Production Statement: All songs, including the lyrics, music, melodies, and arrangements, were written by Gar Francis and produced by Monique Grimme. Artificial intelligence was used only as a creative production assistant under their direction. Every recording, performance, arrangement, and final mix reflects the human creativity, emotion, and musical vision of Gar Francis and Monique Grimme.

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