Frankie Sullivan (born February 1, 1955) is an American guitarist, best known for being a founding member of the rock band Survivor. He has been the only permanent fixture in its lineup since the band's 1977 inception.

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. One of his heroes is Muhammad Ali, and he has a framed autograph from the boxer hanging in his home.

Career

In 1976, Sullivan was a member of the Chicago-based hard rock band Mariah. In 1978, he partnered with Jim Peterik and the two became a successful songwriting team. 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. Sullivan's first hit on the Billboard charts was in 1981 with the song "Poor Man's Son", from the album Premonition. Along with keyboardist Jim Peterik, Sullivan co-wrote all of the group's hits, including "Eye of the Tiger" and "Burning Heart" from the Rocky III and IV movie soundtracks. 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. 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". In 1999, Sullivan was featured on the VH1 television show, Where are They Now.

Discography

With Survivor

Live albums

Compilation albums

Unofficial albums