Franks grew up in southern California with his father Gerald, his mother Betty and younger sister Christine who is the mother of Connor Sullivan (The lead singer of The Royal Nonesuch). Although no one in his family played music, his parents loved swing music and his early influences included Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Johnny Mercer. At age 14 Franks bought his first guitar, a Japanese Marco Polo for $29.95 with six private lessons included - the only music education that he received.
At University High in Irvine, Franks discovered the poetry of Theodore Roethke with his off-rhymes and hidden meter. In high school, he began singing folk-rock, accompanying himself on guitar. Studying English at UCLA Michael discovered Dave Brubeck, Patti Page, Stan Getz, João Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Miles Davis. He never studied music in college or later, but earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA in comparative literature in 1966 and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Oregon in 1968. He had a teaching assistantship in a Ph.D. program in American literature at the University of Montreal before returning to teach part-time at UCLA.
During this time Franks started writing songs, starting with the antiwar musical Anthems in E-flat starring Mark Hamill. He also composed music for the films Count Your Bullets, Cockfighter, and Zandy's Bride, starring Liv Ullmann and Gene Hackman. Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee recorded three of his songs, including "White Boy Lost in the Blues" on their album Sonny & Brownie. Franks played guitar, banjo and mandolin on the album and joined them in touring. In 1973, he recorded an eponymous album, later reissued as Previously Unavailable, which included the minor hit "Can't Seem to Shake This Rock 'n Roll".
In 1975 Franks released his second album The Art of Tea, beginning a long relationship with Warner Brothers Music. The Art of Tea featured Joe Sample, Larry Carlton and Wilton Felder of The Crusaders and included the hit song "Popsicle Toes". His third album, Sleeping Gypsy (1977), which includes the song "The Lady Wants to Know", was partially recorded in Brazil. Around this time, percussionist Ray Armando gave Franks a cabasa, which became a signature instrument for him to play on stage when he was not playing guitar. Burchfield Nines (1978), which includes the song "When the Cookie Jar Is Empty", reflects his move to New York City and features more of an East Coast sound. Since then, Franks has recorded more than 15 albums.
His best known works include "When I Give My Love to You", "Popsicle Toes", "Monkey See, Monkey Do", "Tiger in the Rain", "Rainy Night in Tokyo", and "Tell Me All About It". His biggest hit came in 1983 with "When Sly Calls (Don't Touch That Phone)" from the album Passionfruit. Radio hits include "Your Secret's Safe With Me" from 1985's Skin Dive, and "Island Life" from 1987s The Camera Never Lies.
Mr. Smooth
Michael Franks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
His tired playlist drones
But some of us remember how much choice there was
Before he took the throne
He's Mr. Smooth - His Hipness, the Great
For Mr. Smooth's verdict we must wait
So Mr. Smooth, when out turn comes round
His power and reputation he earned cleverly:
Play fifteen-second tracks
Then just tape the electrodes to the average Joe
To see how he reacts
The rest of us mere mortals on the treadmill trace
Out work-a-day gulag
And strive for the tome until the day he falls from grace
And rivals fold the flag of Mr. Smooth
WE bow to Mr. Smooth
Kowtow to Mr. Smooth
We're stuck with Mr. Smooth
Don't ____ with Mr. Smooth!
The lyrics of Michael Franks's song "Mr. Smooth" are a satire of the music industry and radio culture. The song revolves around a DJ who calls himself ‘Mr. Smooth.’ The lyrics describe how Mr. Smooth has taken over the airwaves and presented a limited playlist to his listeners. The line “His tired playlist drones” suggests that the DJ plays the same songs repeatedly. The lyrics also imply that Mr. Smooth's dominance on the airwaves has reduced the range of music available to listeners. However, Franks highlights that some listeners still remember the days when more diverse music was played on the radio.
The second verse of the song is particularly critical of Mr. Smooth. The lyrics describe how he has used market research to gain his power and reputation. The line “Play fifteen-second tracks, then just tape the electrodes to the average Joe to see how he reacts” implies that Mr. Smooth's music selection is based purely on how listeners respond to it. Franks suggests that this has resulted in a homogenization of music on the airwaves, with only the ‘average’ listener's opinions taken into account.
In conclusion, "Mr. Smooth" is a critique of the music industry and the impact of the business culture on a diverse range of music. The lyrics suggest that Mr. Smooth has taken over the airwaves and replaced diversity with a limited playlist that is backed by extensive market research. The song calls for a return to a more diverse range of music and a loosening of the grip that market research has on the industry.
Line by Line Meaning
In every city whether it be large or small
No matter where you go, his music is playing.
His tired playlist drones
He keeps playing the same songs over and over again.
But some of us remember how much choice there was
There used to be more variety in music before he became popular.
Before he took the throne
Before he became the king of smooth jazz.
He's Mr. Smooth - His Hipness, the Great
He is the king of smooth jazz.
For Mr. Smooth's verdict we must wait
His opinion is highly regarded among his fans.
So Mr. Smooth, when out turn comes round
When he gets to us, we hope he likes our music too.
Dear Mr. Smooth, we only hope it won't be "thumbs down"
We hope he approves of our music.
His power and reputation he earned cleverly:
He got where he is by being strategic.
Play fifteen-second tracks
He plays short snippets of songs to test how people react.
Then just tape the electrodes to the average Joe
He measures people's reactions to his music.
To see how he reacts
To gauge whether or not his music is well received.
The rest of us mere mortals on the treadmill trace
The rest of us are just working hard and struggling to get by.
Out work-a-day gulag
The daily grind of work is a prison.
And strive for the tome until the day he falls from grace
We work hard and hope for success until he is no longer popular.
And rivals fold the flag of Mr. Smooth
When his rivals become more successful than him.
WE bow to Mr. Smooth
We respect and admire Mr. Smooth.
Kowtow to Mr. Smooth
We show our loyalty and submission to him.
We're stuck with Mr. Smooth
We cannot escape his music and influence.
Don't ____ with Mr. Smooth!
Don't mess with him, he's too powerful.
Contributed by Molly L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Maria Teresa Toro
In every city whether it be large or small
His tired playlist drones
But some of us remember how much choice there was
Before he took the throne
He's Mr. Smooth - His Hipness, the Great
For Mr. Smooth's verdict we must wait
So Mr. Smooth, when out turn comes round
Dear Mr. Smooth, we only hope it won't be "thumbs down"
His power and reputation he earned cleverly:
Play fifteen-second tracks
Then just tape the electrodes to the average Joe
To see how he reacts
The rest of us mere mortals on the treadmill trace
Out work-a-day gulag
And strive for the tome until the day he falls from grace
And rivals fold the flag of Mr. Smooth
WE bow to Mr. Smooth
Kowtow to Mr. Smooth
We're stuck with Mr. Smooth
Don't __ with Mr. Smooth!
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Michael Franks
Mr. Smooth lyrics © Twenty Nine Palms Music
Denis Gusev
This music never gets out of date. Pure magic. The musicians are doing it with such a great taste and sense of harmony!
Denise TICKER
This is the strippers delight
Marco Reverberi
agree with you, not many like him
blissfulbaboon
Timeless is timeless
UnknownMusician Channel
Since the 80s I've been fascinated with Michael's style in music. Soft voice nice melody. So relaxing..
K Bishop
Michael's music is in a class by itself! Amazing!
Nicomedes Jr. Suizo
Michael Franks is one of my favorite jazz vocals during 1984 and up to now. Franks music are so cool and very relaxing...
Reoma Bates
I can feel his music in my soul. Just good unique sounds. Love it
Noe Berengena
It's a sign of Michael Franks' genius how he can couch a scathing commentary on the cut-throat world of the music business in such a groovy tune. Michael strikes again!
Tony K
fuckin well said mate