Frank McComb | |
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Born | July 15, 1970 |
Origin | Cleveland, Ohio |
Genres | jazz/R&B, gospel, soul |
Occupation(s) | Singer, Songwriter, Producer |
Instruments | Piano, Vocals, Keyboards |
Years active | 1990–present |
Labels | MoJazz, Columbia, Malibu Sessions, Boobescoot Music |
Associated acts | Prince, Chaka Khan, Will Smith, Najee, Branford Marsalis, George Duke, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Phyllis Hyman, Gamble and Huff, Patrice Rushen, Lalah Hathaway, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, Buckshot LeFonque |
Website | http://www.frankmccomb.info FrankMcComb.info |
Frank McComb (born July 15, 1970 in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.) is a jazz/soul singer, musician, and producer. Often compared to Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder, McComb has collaborated with many renowned recording artists including, Prince, Chaka Khan, Will Smith, Najee, Branford Marsalis, George Duke, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Phyllis Hyman, Gamble and Huff, Patrice Rushen, Lalah Hathaway, Fred Hammond, and John P. Kee, to name a few.
Frank McComb began his career in February 1983 when an aunt began teaching him piano at the family church. Though he did attend a school for the performing arts in the mid-80's, he found more recognition playing Cleveland nightclubs with seasoned musicians. By 1988, McComb was in high school fronting his own trio.
After graduating from Glenville High School in Cleveland, OH, McComb was asked to be in the band for Atlantic Records male R&B singing group The Rude Boys, protégés of Gerald Levert. He was soon promoted to musical director and toured with them through the early 90's. While touring, McComb met Jeff Townes of seminal rap duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince who invited him to record and tour with the group. Townes eventually convinced Frank to move to Philadelphia. Once settled, he was introduced to legendary songwriting duo Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. McComb was eventually put on payroll as a musician for Gamble/Huff and moved down the street from their headquarters so that he could walk to work every day.
While working for Gamble & Huff, a chance encounter with future president of Motown Records Steve McKeever led to McComb's first record deal. At the time, McKeever was scouting for a new jazz-oriented Motown imprint called MoJazz. The contract was signed on the strength of one live performance and an admittedly poor recording of a song called "Time and Time Again."