Michael Franks
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Michael Franks | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Background information | |
| Born | 18 September 1944 |
| Origin | La Jolla, California |
| Genre(s) | Smooth jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Years active | 1973 – present |
| Label(s) | Warner Bros. Records Reprise Records Rhino Records |
| Website | Michael Franks.com |
Michael Franks (born 18 September 1944 in La Jolla, California) is a smooth jazz singer and songwriter from the United States. He has recorded with a Who's Who of artists, such as Patti Austin, Brenda Russell, Art Garfunkel, and David Sanborn. His songs have been recorded by The Manhattan Transfer, Patti Labelle, Carmen McRae, Diana Krall, and The Carpenters.
Contents |
[edit] Biography
In high school, he began singing folk-rock, accompanying himself on guitar. He never studied music in college or later[1], earned an M.A. from UCLA in Comparative Literature, and a PhD from the University of Oregon.
He was on records with Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee and recorded an eponymous album (later reissued as Previously Unavailable) before landing a contract with Warner Brothers Music in 1973. Since then, Franks has recorded more than 15 albums.
His best known works include "Popsicle Toes", "Monkey See, Monkey Do", "The Lady Wants to Know", "When the Cookie Jar is Empty", "Tiger in the Rain", "Rainy Night in Tokyo", and "Tell Me All About It". His biggest hit came in 1983 with "When Sly Calls (Don't Touch That Phone)", from the album Passionfruit. Radio hits include "Your Secret's Safe With Me" from the 1985 album Skin Dive, and "Island Life" from 1987's The Camera Never Lies.
 |
Please help improve this section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion. |
[edit] Discography
- Albums
- 1973 - Michael Franks (Brut)
- 1975 - Art of Tea (Reprise)
- 1977 - Sleeping Gypsy (Warner Brothers)
- 1978 - Burchfield Nines (Warner Brothers)
- 1979 - Tiger in the Rain (Warner Brothers)
- 1980 - One Bad Habit (Warner Brothers)
- 1980 - With Crossfire Live (Warner Brothers)
- 1982 - Objects of Desire (Warner Brothers)
- 1983 - Passionfruit (Warner Brothers)
- 1983 - Previously Unavailable (DRG) - reissue of 1973's Michael Franks
- 1985 - Skin Dive (Warner Brothers)
- 1987 - The Camera Never Lies (Warner Brothers)
- 1990 - Blue Pacific (Reprise)
- 1993 - Dragonfly Summer (Warner Brothers)
- 1995 - Abandoned Garden (Warner Brothers)
- 1999 - Barefoot on the Beach (Windham Hill)
- 2004 - Watching The Snow (Rhino)
- 2006 - Rendezvous in Rio (KOC)
[edit] References
- Sources consulted
- Smith, Baldwin “Smitty” (interviewer) (2006, July). "Jazz Monthly Feature Interview: Michael Franks". Jazz Monthly.com.
- Wynn, Ron (2007 copyright). "Biography: Michael Franks". All Music Guide.
- Endnotes
- ^ Smith 2006, op. cit.
[edit] External links
- Michael Franks.com - official website
- Michael Franks at Allmusic
