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Michael Franks Biography
Michael Franks, born on September 18, 1944, is a distinguished American singer and songwriter renowned for his contributions to the quiet storm movement. Throughout his illustrious career, he has collaborated with a diverse array of renowned artists, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. His songs have been embraced by an impressive roster of performers, including
Patti Austin,
Art Garfunkel, Brenda Russell, Claus Ogerman, Joe Sample, and
David Sanborn, among others.
Born into a family that cherished swing music in southern California, Michael's early musical influences included iconic figures such as Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, Ira Gershwin, Irving
Berlin, and Johnny Mercer. At the age of 14, he acquired his first guitar, a Japanese Marco Polo, which came with six private lessons—a modest yet pivotal step that marked the inception of his musical journey.
Michael Franks embarked on his exploration of music during his high school years at University High in San Diego. Initially drawn to folk-rock, he began singing and honing his guitar skills. His educational pursuits led him to UCLA, where he majored in English and encountered a multitude of musical inspirations, ranging from Dave Brubeck to João Gilberto. Despite his deep passion for music, he never formally studied it at the collegiate or postgraduate levels.
In 1966, Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in comparative literature from UCLA, followed by a Master of Arts degree from the University of Oregon in 1968. Subsequently, he ventured into academia and accepted a teaching assistantship in a Ph.D. program in American literature at the University of Montreal before transitioning into part-time teaching at UCLA.
During this period, Michael Franks began crafting songs, commencing with the creation of the antiwar musical "Anthems in E-flat" in 1968, featuring Mark Hamill. His foray into music composition extended to film, where he contributed to soundtracks for movies like "Cockfighter" (1974) and "Zandy's Bride" (1974). Notably, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee recorded three of his songs, underscoring his burgeoning reputation as a songwriter.
In 1973, he released a self-titled album, later reissued as "Previously Unavailable," which featured the minor hit "Can't Seem to Shake This Rock 'n Roll." This marked the beginning of his association with Warner Bros. Records. The release of "The Art of Tea" in 1976, Michael's second album, signified a significant milestone in his career. It featured prominent musicians like Joe Sample,
Larry Carlton, and Wilton Felder of the Crusaders and included the hit song "Popsicle Toes."
"Sleeping Gypsy" (1977), his third album, reflected his connection to Brazil, where parts of the album were recorded, and introduced the captivating "The Lady Wants to Know." During this period, percussionist Ray Armando introduced Michael to the cabasa, which became a signature instrument in his live performances, alongside the guitar.
The release of "Burchfield Nines" (1978) marked his relocation to New York City and showcased a distinct East Coast sound. This period laid the foundation for a remarkable career that spanned over 15 albums.
Michael Franks is celebrated for an impressive repertoire that includes hits like "When I Give My Love to You," "Popsicle Toes," "Monkey See, Monkey Do," "Lotus Blossom," "Tiger in the Rain," "Rainy Night in Tokyo," and "Tell Me All About It." His most significant commercial success arrived in 1983 with "When Sly Calls (Don't Touch That Phone)" from the album "Passionfruit." Radio-friendly tracks such as "Your Secret's Safe With Me" from "Skin Dive" (1985) and "Island Life" from "The Camera Never Lies" (1987) further solidified his presence in the music industry.
Notably, Michael Franks collaborated with jazz pianist
David Benoit in 1996, recording a cover version of the Christmas classic "Christmas Time Is Here," featured on Benoit's Christmas album "Remembering Christmas."
Michael Franks has etched his name in the annals of music history, demonstrating his prowess as a songwriter and performer while leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of music enthusiasts around the world. His eclectic blend of musical influences and distinctive style continue to resonate with audiences, making him an enduring figure in the realm of contemporary music.