Michael Franks
Biography
An enormously popular performer in the late '70s and early '80s, Franks performed folk/rock songs while in high school, then became a literature student at UCLA and a part-time performer. He taught undergraduate music courses in the early '70s at both UCLA and Berkeley, then provided scores for the films Count Your Bullets and Zandy's Bride. He made his first album in 1973, then enjoyed success with a string of late '70s albums on Warner Brothers. He has worked with the likes of Flora Purim, Kenny Rankin, Ron Carter, the Crusaders, David Sanborn, Toots Thielemans, Eric Gale, and others, and has had songs recorded by The Manhattan Transfer, Patti Labelle, Carmen McRae, and the Carpenters. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
Selected Discography
Rendezvous In Rio
2006
The Micheal Franks Anthology : The Art Of Love
2003
Barefoot On The Beach
1999
The Best Of Michael Franks
1998
Blue Pacific
1990
The Camera Never Lies
1987
Previously Unavailable
1983
Tiger In The Rain
1979
Burchfield Nines
1978
Sleeping Gypsy
1977
The Art Of Tea
1976
Michael Franks is simply one of the coolest artists ever. Whenever I need to chill out or regroup I put MF on, and all is right with the world. He will always be one of my favorites.
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been a fan since the 70's and still one of my favorites! - try Sleeping Gypsy and The Art of Tea - always great musicians and entertaining lyrics
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It was 1999, my wife and I drove our new convertible down to the Kansas City Blues and Jazz festival . With the top down we let 'Barefoot On The Beach' play over and over again. Michael Franks was the headline performer and he did not disappoint. It's was one of the best and most memorable weekends of my life. Since my introduction to Michael Franks in 1976 he has been, and forever will be, my favorite artist.
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You're still cool, Michael, after all these years, like Mose. But man, I still don't dig Popcycle Toes"
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How can you categorize this music as "rock". This is PUREintheSEN S E JAZZZZZZZZZZ Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z E !
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W/the help of M.F.I was able capture the attention of this most extraordinar y lady and attain her friendship for life, she's truely my best friend, partner n crime, love of my life, soulmate, queen to my throne!!! I owe u Mr. Franks, thank you for the words to MY song.
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He is one of my favorites. I can remember many rides in the Vette to Chicago with that special person and feeling so mellow as Michael took me to places that made me feel so relaxed, if there wasn't anything to worry about, and in a safe place!
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I've seen his show several times, it's always a joy. I've been listening since my early teens when a local dj featured a mix of his music-can't explain why it appeals to me- just glad I tuned in that night.
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'the camera never lies' and 'skin dive' are what albums i've listened to most. a girl heard me playing sax, and said i should listen to 'dr. sax' by michael franks. when i listened, i thought it was incredibly strange, but michael was speaking to my soul. one of the songs that always touches me is 'now i know why they call it falling': 'why is your heart resurrected/ j u s t , just when you least expect it/how, how come it takes you by surprise?' some of his songs really do resurrect my heart.
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Living in Lake Tahoe, CA. 1979 I was 17 when I was introduced to the music of Bobby Caldwell, Michael Franks!! Wonderful,re l a x i n g , sensual sound. The beginning of smooth jazz for this girl!! Ageless enjoyment.
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i was a guest at his birthday party at Chez & Wilson in NYC during the early 80's "IT WAS THE GREATEST HONER I'VE EVER HAD " other than the birth of my children "BIG COV JERSEY"
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I just him at the Tarrytown Music hall in New York. 2009 he is in the far east so I drove from Port Jefferson in Long Island to upstate. He was a class act. He gave out free tee shirts he told some stories behind some of his songs.
It was the highlight of my year! NYBULLY |
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michael always has and alwayts will be my favorite r& b male jazz singer, i've listened to his music since i was 16 years old and i'm now 41 years old
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I enjoy the smooth song. his music it the best to make love too.I've enjoyed his music for 25 year picked him up at Tuskegee,bee n with me today. Would love to hear him in concert.
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just saw him in concert in ny.
he was amazing. his voice was solid and band very tight |
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He is simply amazing, one of my favorite artist. LOVE HIS MUSIC & Lyrics...
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Tiger In The Rain....ahhh h h h h h ! Micheal Franks is a one of a kind artist...I have been enjoying him for 30 something years!!!! He has been there for the first dance at my wedding, 3 births, 2 college graduations and the end of my marriage...a n d I will take him on the rest of my journey...hi s music is an intergal part of my life....obvi o u s l y . . . L O L
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love him // he is the quintessenti a l artist /// i applaud his music /// it makes me feel at peace /// relaxed and just plain mellow at the end of a long day // this is new music venue for me so i am a newbie at the internet radio thing /// ya know what it is GREAT GREAT!!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! gummipeg56
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smooth as silk the voice of this man is a soulful jazzy with just enough spice im loving his music please come back one more time mr. franks
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Macheal is the man really knows how to use his voice as a fine instrument.
Love the melody lines. |
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a friend of mine from japan introduced me to michael's music in 1979,29 years later i still love his music and voice, what a cool cat you are, never stop making good music, your fan miguel
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SO SMOOOVE..., ICE CREAM COMES TO HIM TO LEARN HOW TO BE SMOOOOOOOOTH ! ! ! ! !
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The epitome of Smooth Jazz. Please come back to Houston Michael!!
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Spring of 1980. Naomi, you introduced me to Michael's music. I haven't stopped listening since. 28 years later, and I hear your voice again. Thank you for You and for Michael. Hope you start listening again. It's oh, so simple.
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I have loved Michael Franks forever. I think my first tape was The Art of Tea. When my 37 year old daughter was 17, she use to tease me saying "Don't touch that phone don't touch that phone" whenever my friends call. Now some twenty years, I listen to Michael Franks think "Somehow our love survives."
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I have loved Michael Franks since 1980 when my sister was having a backyard BBQ. I have been hooked ever since.
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Micheal, I started listening to you in 1978 while in the Marine Corp. I finally got to set you years later at the Coach House in Southern California. I look forward to seeing you again. (Tiger In The Rain) Much Love
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I've had the opportunity to meet him after a concert, he was out in the crowd chatting and giving autographs. He is the essence of cool and calm, just like his music. He signed my program which, unfortunatel y now, is addressed to me and my ex-wife. I've still got it framed. It had been raining that night, so the program is wrinkled from the water, and the inscription reads 'like two little birds in the eye of the storm'. Very cool.
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Love his "Blue Pacific" CD. Great sound w/ Joe Sample. One of his best releases.
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I've been following Michael Franks since the bicentennial year 1976. His concerts are wonderful and really laid back. Great artist right?
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I like that Franks pays tribute to other artists, both visual and musical,in
many of his songs, ie. Van Gogh, Cezanne,Mile s , C o l t r a n e , M o n k , C h e t , a n d Jobim. |
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