Frankie Sullivan
American guitarist (born 1955)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Frankie Sullivan (born February 1, 1955) is an American guitarist, best known for being a founding member of the rock band Survivor.[1] He was the only permanent fixture in its lineup from the band's 1978 inception until disbanding in 2020.[2]
.jpg)
Frankie Sullivan | |
|---|---|
Sullivan at Sweden Rock Festival 2013 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | February 1, 1955 |
| Occupations | Musician, songwriter |
| Instrument | Guitar |
| Years active | 1976–present |
| Formerly of | Survivor |
| Website | frankiesullivan |
| Signature | |
 | |
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]
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 successful songwriting team.[5] With Sullivan as the lead guitarist, he and Peterik formed the nucleus of the band Survivor and the band 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 keyboardist 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] His son Ryan, also performs with the group.
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)