Frank Michael Sullivan III (born February 1, 1955) is an American guitarist and songwriter, best known for being a founding member of the rock band Survivor.[1] He has been the only permanent fixture in its lineup since the band's 1977 inception.[2]
Frankie Sullivan | |
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 Sullivan at Sweden Rock Festival 2013 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Frank Michael Sullivan III |
| Born | February 1, 1955 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Years active | 1976–present |
| Website | frankiesullivan |
| Signature | |
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Early life
According to pianist and keyboardist Jimmy Tranchitella of Northlake, Illinois, Sullivan's musical career began in his early teens. He enjoyed sports and started running when he was 17; he became a lifelong runner[3]
One of his heroes in Muhammad Ali, and he has a framed autograph from the boxer hanging in his home.[3]
Career
In 1976, Sullivan was a member of the Chicago-based hard rock band Mariah.[4]
In 1978, he partnered with Jim Peterik and the two became a very successful songwriting team.[5] Sullivan was a lead guitar player. Sullivan and Peterik formed the nucleus of the band Survivor and the band immediately began touring, playing concerts in clubs.[6] Sullivan's first hit on the Billboard charts was in 1981 with the song "Poor Man's Son" from the album Premonition.[5]
Along with former bandmate, keyboardist and vocalist Jim Peterik, Sullivan co-wrote all of the group's hits, including "Eye of the Tiger"[7] and "Burning Heart" from the Rocky III and IV movie soundtracks.[8] He credits Sylvester Stallone for giving him the "opportunity of a lifetime" by using his song Eye of the Tiger in the Rocky III movie.[9]
In 1984, Sullivan and the band Survivor had a song on the movie soundtrack for The Karate Kid. The song was The Moment of Truth.[10]
In 1999, Sullivan was featured on the VH1 television show Where are They Now.[11]
Discography
With Survivor
- Survivor (1979)
- Premonition (1981)
- Eye of the Tiger (1982)
- Caught in the Game (1983)
- Vital Signs (1984)
- When Seconds Count (1986)
- Too Hot to Sleep (1988)
- Reach (2006)
Live albums
- Live in Tokyo (1985)
- Extended Versions: The Encore Collection (2004)
Compilation albums
- The Very Best of Survivor (1986)
- Greatest Hits (1989)
- Prime Cuts: The Classic Tracks (1998)
- Survivor Special Selection (2000)
- Fire in Your Eyes: Greatest Hits (2000)
- Ultimate Survivor (2004)
- The Best of Survivor (2006)
- Playlist: The Very Best of Survivor (2009)
- The Essential Survivor (2014)
Unofficial albums
- Fire Makes Steel: The Demos (1996)
References
- ^ Huey, Steve. "Biography: Frankie Sullivan". AMG. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- ^ "Frankie Sullivan". Frankie Sullivan. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
- ^ a b Lombardo, Kayla (December 21, 2015). "Frankie Sullivan of Survivor talks Rocky, Muhammad Ali and more". Sports illustrated. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
- ^ Jones, Tim (October 25, 2007). "Tiger Feat – The story of Gwwwoz". Record collector. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
- ^ a b "Survivor to catch your eye with success". Clearfield Progress. July 27, 1993. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
- ^ Levine, Gerald (December 30, 1980). "Local rock band survives a hard climb to the top". Arlington Heights Daily Herald. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
- ^ "Survivor 2012: A Conversation With Frankie Sullivan". Technorati. Archived from the original on November 12, 2013. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
- ^ "Frankie Sullivan". IMBD. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
- ^ Blair, Brian (August 20, 2019). "A Survivor in rock world". The Republic. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
- ^ "Survivor to present concert". Joplin Globe. July 19, 1985. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
- ^ "VH1 Where are they Now". Walla Walla Union Bulletin. January 7, 1999. Retrieved October 18, 2021.