"Bob Franke" has been added to your list of bookmarked artists
close
Bob Franke
Biography
Bob Franke's plans to become a priest were altered by his decision to become a singer/songwriter. But, in the more than two decades since, Franke's songs have continued to reflect his deep-rooted spiritual commitments. While his acoustic melodies and poetic lyricism are tied to the singer/songwriter tradition, his use of Biblical imagery and Christian sensitivity give his tunes their unique vision. His ability to address moral issues without sounding proselytizing or dogmatic has enabled his songs, including "The Great Storm Is Over," "For Real," "Thanksgiving Eve" and "Beggars to God," to be covered by a lengthy list of folk-rooted artists, including Claudia Schmidt, Tony Rice, Lui Collins, June Tabor, John McCutcheon, David Wilcox, Garnet Rogers and Peter, Paul & Mary.

A native of Hamtramck, MI, near Detroit, Franke acquired his first guitar at the age of 14. He started writing his own songs not long afterwards. While attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he earned a bachelor's degree in English literature, he became involved with the community's burgeoning folk community. In 1965, he became one of the first musicians to perform at the Ark coffeehouse.
Selected Discography