In no particular order:
Pink Floyd, Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, Rush, Michael Hedges, Porcupine Tree, Led Zeppelin, U2, Journey, Yes, Alan Parsons, Frank Zappa, Black Sabbath, Kiss, Beatles, Eric Clapton, W.A. Mathieu, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Julia Cameron, Chuck Berry, Freddie King, Janis Joplin, The Cult, Van Halen, Sarah McLachlan, Steve Jobs, REM, Joe Pass, Jeff Buckley, Iron & Wine, The Doors, Crosby Stills & Nash, Adrian Legg, Sarah Vaughan, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, ELO, Jane's Addiction, Nick Drake, Rene Magritte, Prince, George Lucas, Santana, Paul Simon, Alan Holdsworth, Jimmy Reed, Leo Kottke, Pat Metheny, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Mihali Csikszentmihalyi, T-Rex, Jimmy Buffett, Douglas Adams, Bob Marley, Andres Segovia, Brian Wilson, Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Henson, The Eagles, Rik Emmett, Tom Petty, Nikola Tesla, Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Bob Dylan, Howlin' Wolf, Wes Montgomery
Tennessean turned Texan; John Orr Franklin grew up in North Western Tennessee and began playing music when he was a teenager. As soon as he could manage to crank out a few chords on his guitar he began writing his own songs. The art of recording was also an aspiration at an early age. Borrowing his guitar instructors 4 track cassette recorder, he began producing and engineering demos for his first bands, an evolution that continues to this day.
John spent many years playing guitar in various bands. From cover material, to original modern rock acts, to pure bread blues on Beale Street in Memphis; John’s experiences and influences are diverse to say the least. It was much later in his musical upbringing that he began to use his voice as an instrument in addition to his guitar and keyboard playing. Resulting in the artist that has emerged today as a singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer of his own original productions.
Currently embarking on his second full CD release entitled “Transformation”; John describes the project as a tale of evolution and hope. The album is full of personal revelations that he has experienced over the years that have enabled him emotionally, physically, as well as spiritually to assume the role and responsibilities of a solo artist. While the previous project, "Pathways", dealt with the many choices and decisions one has to make in life, Transformation describes the resulting journey and the hopes for an unfolding future. While this is John’s personal take on the project he also feels that there is a definite universal quality to the songs on the project that anyone can relate to.
“The new album, without a doubt, reflects my best work to date and I’m proud to stand behind it. I look forward to getting out there to share and perform these songs with anyone willing to lend me their ears for a moment.”
- John Orr Franklin
Hi John…thanks for the ADD! Nice to meet You! I’m Mugician! I really enjoyed listening to your music! You’re songs are Awesome! Best wishes…much respect for you and your accomplishments…nicely done!
