Frankie Sullivan (born Frank M. Sullivan III, 1 February 1955, Chicago) is an American guitarist and songwriter. He is best known for being a founding member of the band Survivor, and has been the only constant member of the band since its formation in 1977.
Along with former bandmate, keyboardist/vocalist Jim Peterik, Sullivan co-wrote many of the group's hits including "Eye of the Tiger" and "Burning Heart" from the Rocky III and IV movie soundtracks.
Sullivan began playing guitar in his very early teens by sitting in on local garage band practices and helping with their equipment changes. Eventually he was allowed to play a little after band practice when members realized his serious interest, as stated by local piano/keyboard musician and Northlake, IL resident Jimmy Tranchitelli.
Famous quotes containing the words frankie and/or sullivan:
“Frankie threw back her kimono, she took out her forty-four.
Root-a-toot-toot, three times she shot, right through that hardwood
door.”
—Unknown. Frankie and Johnny (l. 25–27)
“Form ever follows function.”
—Louis Henry Sullivan (1856–1924)