Frankie Sullivan (born February 1, 1955) is an American guitarist, 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]
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 is 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 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]
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