Michael Anthony Franano - Vocals Bobby Franano - Keyboards Mike Greene - Guitars Randy Jordan - Bass Shane Miller - Drums
Bobby Franano has been tickling the canvas all over the nation. Major retailers, hotels, and celebrities have commissioned Bobby to entertain through his creativity and charisma in person and on canvas. Now you can find his incredible renderings here at BobbyFranano.com. Click the logo above to check out his art!
Kansas City rockers the Front first got together in the late '80s, and were led by vocalist Michael Franano and his keyboardist brother Bobby Franano. The pair hooked up with guitarist Mike Greene, Randy Jordan on bass, and Shane Miller on drums. The five musicians were soon signed to CBS Records and in 1989 they released their self-titled debut album. It took a little while, but in 1990 the single "Fire" became a minor radio and MTV hit and the band seemed to be on their way. The vocal style and mysterious persona of Franano was certainly the group's main selling point. The fact that the singer was so unashamedly aping Jim Morrison (with a touch of Michael Hutchence and Ian Astbury) didn't seem to hurt the group's image at first, however, there was no second single to build on "Fire" and the Front was eventually dropped by CBS before they had a chance to really define themselves. Perhaps the band became viewed as a knock-off or novelty within the company. Whatever the cause, it is odd that the group seemed to receive no opportunity to build on the success of "Fire." After leaving CBS, Franano and company changed their name to Bakers Pink and did manage to release a record for Epic under the new moniker in 1993. Franano also released an independent solo album under the name of Michael Moon in 1998. ~ Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide
Mark Randal "Randy" Jordan March 18, 1965 - October 30, 1998
Randy Jordan passed away October 30, 1998 of advanced liver cancer. He started his musical career by playing with the bands Forces, and Donny and the Rock. He joined The Front in the late '80's and played on both The Front and Bakers Pink albums. He also played on a track entitled "Hurt You" which appears on the Michael Moon album "You". Randy later joined the band Paxton, where he played on the self-titled debut and was in the middle of recording a second album with them when he passed away. He was an exceptionally talented bassist and is sorely missed
Click the banner below to visit RockonRandy.com, a wonderful tribute to Randy's life.
This is a fan page honoring a group of extremely talented musicians who were very underated and truly ahead of their time. The band members don't check messages left on this page. Please feel free to leave a comment as they may find their way here someday. Michael Franano is here on MySpace and is aware of this page, however, he isn't on often. Messages addressed to him will be forwarded.
The Front - Baker's Pink's Friend Space (Randomized)
hey boys its rhonda, i am so glad i found u. 1989 was such an awesome year for me, i was 20 years old and having a great time. saw and met u guys in pittsburgh. got to spend some time on your tour bus. listening to these songs take me right back. thank u for the memories!!!! hope to hear u around.....
Hey guys, I worked in a record store in, around, 1989-90 up in Canada and The Front was in heavy rotation in the store. I thought you sounded like a cross between The Doors, INXS and early Alice Cooper. And I'm still enjoying it. Thanks.
Hi guys! Thanxx for the Add, I hope to see ya once more in Italy one day. I can't forget when you opened the Monster of Rock in Bologna -IT, in 1990. Soon after I went in my fav Music Store to buy your first album...."Fire" is still one of my fav tunes. Rock On, T69.
Hey guys. Just ran into Doc and Scott Mcghee at a Hootie gig. They had some really nice things to say about you all. It was kind of funny talking, Doc was like. "all of the industry people loved the Front" I wish you all would do something soon. Peace, Chuck
Thank you for adding me. Love your lyrics and music. It really touches the soul. Life goes in circles...and maybe you will come around again.?? Until then...I'll keep listening to your beautiful art that you all have given us. :)
I had the Fronts Cd back in ummmm 90-91?? It was bad as fuck!! Killa songs across the board!! Had Bakers Pink Cd also,.. end of '90's again,.. great songs!
HEY JUST SENDING OUT DEMON HAMMER LOVE !HAVE LOVED THE BAND SINCE YOU FIRST CAME OUT AND STILL LOVE THE MUSIC TODAY! THANX FOR BEING A FRIEND, TAKE CARE & FIST RAZED HIGH IN THE AIR! CHUK COOLEY
hi michael listning to your music brings back old memories......... hope your well................... keep the faith................... faith without works is dead......
Right with you on 'Sunshine Girl'.....hung out with these guys at a teeny club in Syracuse, NY when I was still in high school...they were opening for Bang Tango...that seems like 3 lifetimes ago! Great band....
Online Now!
