Michael Franks (born 18 September 1944 in La Jolla, California) is a smooth jazz singer and songwriter. He has recorded with a variety of well-known 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, Shirley Bassey and The Carpenters. Franks grew up in southern California with his father Gerald, his mother Betty and younger sister Christine who is the mother of Connor Sullivan, the lead singer of The Royal Nonesuch. Although no one in his family played music, his parents loved swing music and his early influences included Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Johnny Mercer. At age 14 Franks bought his first guitar, a Japanese Marco Polo for $ with six private lessons included - the only music education that he received. At University High in Irvine, Franks discovered the poetry of Theodore Roethke with his off-rhymes and hidden meter. In high school, he began singing folk rock, accompanying himself on guitar. Studying English at UCLA, Michael discovered artists such as Dave Brubeck, Patti Page, Stan Getz, João Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Miles Davis. He never studied music in college or later, but earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA in comparative literature in 1966 and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Oregon in 1968. He had a teaching assistantship in a Ph.D. program in American literature at the University of Montreal before returning to teach part-time at UCLA. He started writing and recording songs during this time, and in 1973 he recorded an eponymous album, later reissued as “Previously Unavailable“, which included the minor hit “Can’t Seem To Shake This Rock ’n Roll“. In 1975 Franks released his second album “The Art Of Tea“, beginning a long relationship with Warner Brothers Music. His third album, “Sleeping Gypsy“ (1977), which includes the song “The Lady Wants To Know“, was partially recorded in Brazil. Around this time, percussionist Ray Armando gave Franks a cabasa, a percussion instrument that is constructed with loops of steel ball chain wrapped around a wide cylinder fixed to a long, narrow wooden or plastic handle, originally of African origin. It is often used in Latin jazz, and it became a signature instrument for Franks to play on stage when he was not playing guitar. Since then, he has recorded more than 15 albums. This channel is dedicated to the classic jazz music you’ve loved for years. The smokin’ hot, icy cool jams that still make you tap your feet whenever you hear them . . . Cool Jazz is here!
For music videos of the Old School funk, go to:
school
To check out videos from The Roots Of Rap, go to:
To explore the world of The DJ Cafe, go to:
If you love jamming to some great Classic Rock, check out:
Check out my newer music videos and other fun stuff at:
Check out my news videography stuff at:
Also, check out my youngest daughter (the world’s youngest video producer) at:
And coming in June 2011 . . .
DJ Buddy Love presents LONGEVITY . . .
A world record club DJ mixing marathon charity event . . .
121 hours nonstop to benefit cancer research . . .
Live to the world via UStream, Facebook, YouTube & Twitter . . .
More details coming soon . . .
Enjoy!!
;~}
Copyright 1977 Warner Brothers Records
All Rights Reserved
1 view
96
16
22 hours ago 00:02:34 1
Trailer Park Alien
23 hours ago 00:17:27 1
Frogknight - Lothlórien (2024)
23 hours ago 00:26:07 1
【4K】あしかがフラワーパーク(栃木県)2024年5月20日の様子 May 20,2024 Ashikaga Flower Park
23 hours ago 00:19:07 1
Lady Gaga - The Fame Monster (10th Anniversary Megamix)
23 hours ago 00:03:58 1
Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper - Shallow (From A Star Is Born/Live From The Oscars)
24 hours ago 00:58:21 1
ВИА ’Добры Молодцы’ - Все лучшие песни 70 х
1 day ago 00:02:14 1
Boothill Trailer — “Cowboy’s Got Business“ | Honkai: Star Rail
1 day ago 00:03:45 1
Mark Ashley Oh Lady Love
1 day ago 00:08:33 1
This Special STANDING Workout will TONE HIPS and WAIST At Home Workout ✔ Women & Ladies
1 day ago 00:00:46 1
7 Stylish Outfits For Girls #outfit #shorts #style
1 day ago 00:08:21 1
Watch How Nigerian First Lady Roasts Meghan Markle In Public - Wait for the Clap from the Audience
1 day ago 00:53:19 1
Turlough O’Carolan (1670–1738) - Irish Music [Pascal Bournet]
1 day ago 00:03:27 1
«Arabesque» -“Born To Reggae“
1 day ago 00:40:20 1
Losing Mind For Beautiful Ladies Mix ★ Deep House Sexy Girls Videomix 2024 ★ Best Party Music By ARD
1 day ago 00:04:02 1
Lady Gaga - Always Remember Us This Way (from A Star Is Born) (Official Music Video)
1 day ago 00:03:34 1
Thomas Anders - Cheri Cheri Lady (Disco of the 80’s Festival, Russia, 2019)
1 day ago 00:03:18 1
Modern Talking - Cheri Cheri Lady (1985 live HQ)
1 day ago 00:04:22 1
Celine Dion | Je n’ai pas besoin d’amour (Tout le monde en parle, 2012)
1 day ago 00:04:25 1
’Take The Long Way Home ’ (SUPERTRAMP) Cover by The HSCC