Johann Frank
Practically born with a guitar in his hands, Johann Frank’s young career was jump started when Phil Collins discovered him at the age of 14 in his native Switzerland, and instantly realized that his talent had to be nurtured. This determining encounter set Johann on a professional course and over the following four years he performed alongside many world-renown artists such as Phil but also, Mike Rutherford (“Genesis”), Steve Howe (“Yes”), The Pretty Things, MC Solaar and others before turning 18. Johann also had the honor to open for artists such as Lionel Richie, Barbara Hendricks and Tina Turner in some of Europe’s most prestigious venues and world leaders (Montreux Jazz Festival, MIDEM, AVO Festival, UN Headquarters).
Phil Collins exposed Johann to some of the best musicians and instructors in the world, sponsoring master classes in France, England, and the US. When Johann turned 18 Collins enrolled him at Berklee College of Music on a scholarship program. He earned his B.A. degree in Music Business in less than two years and had the privilege to perform with Philip Bailey (“Earth Wind & Fire”) and Steve Winwood, as well as Karmin’s Amy Heidemann, Jenn Bostic, and KING’s Paris Strother, at the ’08 Commencement Concert. Johann headed to Los Angeles in March 2008 and quickly national and international acts such as Arthur Adams, Al B Sure, Marconi, Ojo de Buey, Ray Parker Jr, Lulu Gainsbourg, Mathieu Chedid “M”, Anne Hathaway and Mitchel Musso.
In 2011, Johann was asked to join the touring band of Engelbert Humperdinck. Initially hired as lead guitarist, he soon became involved with arrangements, Music Direction, and recording work for the legendary singer, whose fame granted Johann the opportunity to work alongside the likes of Willie Nelson, Elton John, Gene Simmons, Smokey Robinson, Emin, Philipp Kirkorov, Sam Bailey and many others. His guitar work can be heard on Engelbert Calling (2014), the “Engelbert Live in Hawaii” PBS Special (2018) and “Reflections” (2019). Johann toured with Engelbert around the world for 11 years, performing over 500 shows with the legendary crooner in venues as diverse as the Royal Albert Hall and the Kremlin.
Often hired for private events and the likes when he is not touring, Johann has recently performed with Cece Peniston, Bret Michaels and Prince Royce. His passion projects have included Musical Directing, co-writing and arranging notable projects such as Chyler Leigh and Nathan West’s “East Of Eli”, Anduze (“Parov Stelar”), both eventually becoming successful touring acts in North America and across Europe.
Johann enjoys recording guitars, bass, mandolin, Oud, lap steel, cuatro and ukulele for movie & TV composers (Richard Gibbs, Gabriel Mann, Lucas Vidal, Zeltia Montes, Elik Alvarez, Chris Bacon, Giona Ostinelli) for U.S. and international productions starring icons such as Rob Reiner (“Being Charlie”), Christopher Lloyd (“The Boat Builder”), Amaia Montero’s title song for “100 Metros”, TV hit shows such as ABC’s “Modern Family”, “iCarly 210“, Nickelodeon’s “All That”; successful Latin productions such as “Papita Mani Tostón”, “The Good Boss” (2021) starring Javier Bardem and musical “Voy a Pasármelo Bien” (2022).
His passions for traveling, languages (of which he fluently speaks six) as well as teaching music online, in person and through Master Classes complete the portrait of a well-rounded and accomplished musician with one mission: “To influence popular music in a qualitative, inspired and positive way.”
