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Frankie Sullivan

b. 1955

American musician and songwriter

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About Frankie Sullivan

Born 1955. Frankie Sullivan is an American songwriter, guitarist, composer and musician.

Frankie Sullivan (born February 1, 1955) is an American guitarist, best known for being a founding member of the rock band Survivor. He was the only permanent fixture in its lineup from the band's 1978 inception until disbanding in 2020.

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.

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. 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. His son Ryan, also performs with the group.

Discography With Survivor Survivor (1979) Premonition (1981) Eye of the Tiger (1982) Caught in the Game (1983) Vital Signs (1984) When Seconds Count (1986) Too Hot to Sleep (1988) Reach (2006)

Live albums Live in Tokyo (1985) Extended Versions: The Encore Collection (2004)

Compilation albums The Very Best of Survivor (1986) Greatest Hits (1989) Prime Cuts: The Classic Tracks (1998) Survivor Special Selection (2000) Fire in Your Eyes: Greatest Hits (2000) Ultimate Survivor (2004) The Best of Survivor (2006) Playlist: The Very Best of Survivor (2009) The Essential Survivor (2014)

Unofficial albums Fire Makes Steel: The Demos (1996)

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Also known as
Frank Michael Sullivan III

People in Frankie Sullivan's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Frankie Sullivan's

Frequently asked questions

Who is Frankie Sullivan?

American musician and songwriter

When was Frankie Sullivan born?

Frankie Sullivan was born on 1 February 1955 in Chicago.

What is Frankie Sullivan's occupation?

Frankie Sullivan is a songwriter, guitarist, composer and musician.

What nationality is Frankie Sullivan?

Frankie Sullivan is American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Frankie Sullivan

· Wikidata: Q1770918

· DBpedia: Frankie Sullivan

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Frankie Sullivan. https://biography.guide/frankie-sullivan/

MLA: "Frankie Sullivan." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/frankie-sullivan/.

Chicago: "Frankie Sullivan." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/frankie-sullivan/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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