Frank (aka franklin) Graves

FRANK LAWSON GRAVES

American Federation of Musicians #47

Frank began his singing career at the Pilgrim Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. His professional singing career took off with the soul group, the Dynamic Soul Seven, who performed throughout the Midwest and opened for the Commodores at the convention center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Frank served his military career as both active and inactive for over thirty- three years, with the Army, Navy Reserves, Air Force Reserves, and the Air National Guard.

As a member of the Naval Reserves, while station in the Persian Gulf, Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, he entertained the troops and tourists. Frank performed in USO shows aboard the cruise ship Cunard Princess. The cruise director presented Frank with the prestigious VIP Gold Plate Award for his outstanding performance as a USO show solo artist.

During his military tenure, Frank was the lead singer for over twelve years with the 562nd Air National Guard (ANG) Band of the Southwest, based in Channel Islands. As an employee of the California Department of Corrections, he also performed for the inmate population throughout the state.

With a contemporary style of his own, Frank writes and performs his songs with the desire to touch the heart, soul and mind of every listener.

Press Releases

The Sacramento News and Review columnist, Buzz Norton states, “…Graves has great pipes, and if you dig Luther Vandross, you’ll like his To My Lady” (1992)

The Sacramento Suttertown News, writer Tim McHargue, describes Graves’ music as, “…a soulful ballard with Graves’ smooth vocal and upbeat synth sound…gives the song To My Lady a professional contemporary feel” (1992)

On December 1996, Frank was interviewed and received prime air time on the award winning radio station KKBT 92.3 FM in Los Angeles. The title cut Cry For You Only off of the debut album received great response from the host, John London, and the KKBT staff, as well as the many satisfied listeners who tuned in.

Stage Performances

Star Light Ball, Main Street, City of Tehachapi, Band performance, Nov. 6th 2010

Maui Sugar Mill Blues Club, Tarzana, Solo performance, Nov. 2010

Arcadia Blues Club, Blues performances with AD/Soul&Co. Arcadia (2010)

Concert, jazz and R&B performances with the 562nd ANG Band of the Southwest, CD/ DVD recordings (1993 – to present)

562nd ANG Band performance, guest appearance, Pacifica High School Performance of Arts Center, Oxnard CA (2010)

Palmdale Playhouse, Storefront, Gospel performance, Palmdale CA (2010)

Palmdale Playhouse, Gospel and R&B (Motown Review) performances, Palmdale CA (2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009)

Featured R&B performer, Black History Month Celebration, Edwards Air Force Base (AFB) CA (2009)

Special R&B performance appearance with the Five Tempting Men, Edwards AFB CA (2007)

1st Place International Unisong Contemporary Christian Musician, Solid Rock (2001)

The 8th Annual Los Angeles Music Awards nominee, Jesus, Los Angeles CA (2001)

Trinity Foundation for Humanities, (Mr. Stevie Wonder) R&B performance, Los Angeles CA (1998)

Acting Performances

13th Annual Cultural Historical and Educational Award, Exonerated, Actor,
Palmdale Playhouse, Palmdale CA (2008)

Mandarin singer, Shakespeare, Palmdale Playhouse CA (2001)

Additional references/information available upon request:
Contact Info: P.O Box 4384 - Lancaster CA 93539 - fgraves500@aol.com