Frankie Sullivan
Frank Michael Sullivan III (born 1 February 1955) is an American musician, singer, songwriter and lead guitarist. Best known for being a founding member of the 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 in Muhammad Ali, and he has a framed autograph from the boxer hanging in  his home. Career. In 1976 he was a member of the Chicago based hard rock band Mariah. In 1978 Sullivan partnered with Jim Peterik and the two became a very successful songwriting team. Sullivan was a lead guitar player. Sullivan and Peterik formed the nucleus of the band Survivor and the band immediately 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 former bandmate, keyboardist and vocalist 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. Unofficial albums. Heart, 1985. Asked by Ron Nevison to play additional guitars.