David Martin Frank (born November 13, 1952) is an American music producer, composer, classically trained pianist, and founding member of the 1980s R&B group The System. Yamaha Music calls him "the founding father of electronic R&B" and he is credited on so many massive hits that we're pretty blown away.
In the early 1990s, Frank moved to Los Angeles where he opened his own recording studio called Canyon Reverb. One of the first artists he worked with in LA was RCA recording artist Omar on his albums For Pleasure and This is Not a Love Song. In 2012 Omar was awarded an MBE award for service to music by Queen Elizabeth of England. David became actively involved in the creative scene in Los Angeles. Through his publisher, Frank met songwriter Steve Kipner, and through friends, he met New Zealand songwriter Pam Sheyne. Together they went on to generate several hit pop songs (Dream's "He Loves U Not", "This Is Me", 98 Degrees' "The Hardest Thing", O-Town's "These Are The Days" as well as Christina Aguilera's "Genie in a Bottle".) "Genie" won him an Ivor Novello Award for international hit of the year. David Frank has also worked with Annie Lennox, Mick Jagger, 2Pac and Stevce Winwood to name but a few.
Let's take a look at some of the classic's he's contributed to...
PHIL COLLINS - SUSSUDIO
Released as a single in January 1985. The song is the first track on Collins' third solo studio album, No Jacket Required, released in February of the same year. The song entered frequent rotation on MTV in May and by July both single and album reached #1 on their respective US Billboard charts. In the UK, the song peaked at #12. David Frank is credited on the following instruments; Roland Alpha Juno, Mini Moog bass and Oberheim DMX.
ERIC CLAPTON - TEARS IN HEAVEN
From the Rush soundtrack album for the 1991 film of the same name. Written and performed by Eric Clapton, the soundtrack album includes the song "Tears in Heaven," which won three Grammy awards in 1993.
BILLY IDOL - SWEET SIXTEEN
"Sweet Sixteen" is a song by Billy Idol, released in 1987 as the third single from his third studio album Whiplash Smile (1986). The song was written by Idol and produced by Keith Forsey. "Sweet Sixteen" peaked at #20 in the US and #17 in the UK. It was also a hit across Europe and beyond. David Frank played keys on this track and the rest of the album.
CHAKA KHAN - I FEEL FOR YOU
"I Feel for You" is a song written by Prince that originally appeared on his 1979 self-titled album. The most successful and best-known version was recorded by R&B singer Chaka Khan, appearing on her 1984 album, I Feel for You. Prince, as s a songwriter, won the 1985 Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. Dave Frank on duty for keyboards, synthesizer, and programming.
ROBERT PALMER - YOU ARE IN MY SYSTEM
"You Are in My System" is a 1982 Dance/Electronic song recorded by American band the System. The song, written by Mic Murphy and David Frank, was released in August 1982. The song is one of their most recognisable signature songs, and a favorite of many System fans worldwide. In 1983, the song was covered by Robert Palmer. This version, which was produced by Palmer and remixed by Dominique Blanc-Francard, reached #78 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and also reached #33 on the Mainstream Rock chart. He even persuaded David Frank to play on it himself (keyboards). This was the album's only successful single.
For more great hits of the 80s, check out our Spotify playlist.
