Interview with Frank J. Myers

Frank J. Myers: Acclaimed
Songwriter and Musician

Frank J Myers

Frank J Myers is from Dayton, Ohio. He moved to Nashville in 1981. Frank got his start in Nashville as band leader, road manager and lead guitarist for Eddy Raven in “81” and worked with Eddy for nine years. It was with Eddy that Frank started writing, playing and co producing sessions. They had two number ones, five number twos and three top tens. Songs such as “I Got Mexico,” “Bayou Boys,” “You Should’ve Been Gone By Now,” “Sometimes A Lady” and many others. It was in 1982 though, that Frank had his first single (a song he wrote by himself) with You and I for Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle which stayed number one: four weeks country, number two for six weeks AC and number 6 for four weeks Pop.

It was during his time with Eddy Raven that Frank met Gary Baker. They had their first number one together in 1993 with “Once Upon A Lifetime” by Alabama. Gary and Frank recorded one album for MCG/Curb Records and were three-time nominees for Duo Of The Year at the ACM’s and CMA’s. Their greatest accomplishment as writers together came when John Michael Montgomery recorded “I Swear” which was number one for 4 weeks on the Country charts. The song was then recorded by All-4-One and went to number one on the pop charts and stayed there for 11 weeks.

Frank also co-wrote the 7-week number one smash by Lonestar “I’m Already There” which was nominated for a Grammy and CMA Song and Single Of The Year. The song also went to number 2 on the AC chart. It was also named American Songwriter Magazine’s Country Song of the year and Frank was voted Country Songwriter of the year along with Gary Baker and Richie McDonald. His single “My Front Porch Looking” In by Lonestar is the first record in R&R history to go to number 1 fall to number 2 for 6 weeks and go back to number 1. Frank has had songs recorded by over 50 Country and Pop Artists. He’s had 10 number ones and 20 top tens.

(Taken from Frank’s official website – you can find out more about him by visiting his site)

This interview was originally published back in July 2012.

TSM: Frank, it’s a true honor to have you in TSM. Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview.

FJM: My pleasure.

TSM: What inspired you to get into music and songwriting? And what was the first song you ever wrote?

FJM: I grew up around music and started playing guitar when I was nine, so I knew at a very young age what I wanted to do for the rest of my life…At first I was interested in writing songs I just wanted to play and sing, but I met a vocal coach who was a lyricist and she asked me to put some music to one of her lyrics and I’ve been writing songs ever since. The first song I ever wrote was called “No One Like You.”

TSM: Did you have guitar lessons, or are you self-taught?

FJM: I was self taught.

TSM: Tell us a little about your experience working with Eddy Raven.

FJM: I was with Eddy on the road for nine years. I was the band leader and road manager for awhile! It was a lot of fun and I got to see the world while playing great music. I co-wrote several of Eddy’s hits and I learned a lot about writing with him.

TSM: I know that through Raven you met Gary Baker. Together you had your first number one in 1993 “Once Upon A Lifetime” by Alabama, followed by other hits. What’s the process of your collaboration?

FJM: I actually met Gary Baker through a mutual friend, Mike Hollandsworth, who runs Full Circle Music here in town. I was working with Eddy and Gary was in The Shooters . We met and hit it off and just started writing. We clicked from the start and we wrote some great songs together. As far as the process, we usually started with a title we both liked and went from there.

TSM: What’s your process for writing lyrics? And where do you get the inspiration for your songs?

FJM: I get inspiration from lots of things. Something someone says, a movie, a book, real life experiences….When I write a song I want to connect to the listener. I want them to relate to what I’m saying. I want them to feel something through the song! I try to be descriptive and tell a short story, but the main thing is connecting with the listener. That’s the secret to a hit.

TSM: Who are your major music influences?

FJM: I had a lot of influences when I was young from The Beatles, to Motown and George Jones, Elvis, The Eagles, etc…

TSM: Your song “I Swear” is one of my absolute favorite songs! (as I know it is for many with its popularity). When All-4-One released their version of the song, it was number one on the pop charts for eleven weeks! What was your reaction when you heard their recording for the first time? What was the inspiration behind this song? Finally, how does it feel to have co-written a song that is loved by so many people? 🙂

FJM: The first time I heard All-4-One sing “I Swear” I was blown away. Number one, we didn’t know that someone else had recorded the song, so I was shocked when Rick Blackburn called Gary and me over to Atlantic records and played it for us. In a million years I could not have imagined the power of that song. Being number one for four weeks on the country chart and eleven on the pop charts was unbelievable. I know that the song has touched millions of lives, but it’s hard to grasp it….I was getting ready to go to Gary’s house one morning for a co-write (I live three hours from him), when he called me and said I have a song title for you to think about on your drive down and the title was “I Swear.” I wrote the chorus on the drive to his house. The inspiration for me was my wife!

TSM: With the success of many songs, what would you say are the key qualities that make a song successful?

FJM: As I said before, you have to connect with the listener and you have to make them feel something! Make them laugh, make them cry, and make them wanna dance! When you move people with a song they usually buy it.

TSM: What advice would you give to aspiring songwriters and artists?

FJM: Keep working, keep writing and keep believing!

TSM: If you had the power to do something in the world today, what would it be and why?

FJM: I would end all wars and violence. I would make sure everyone had a bed to sleep in and food to eat, and I would fill everyone’s hearts with love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

TSM: What is one of your favorite quotes (or lines) that inspires you?

FJM: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself and do unto others as you would have them do to you.”

TSM: Anything else you’d like to share? And where can our readers find out more about you?

FJM: They can go to https://www.frankmyersmusic.com/

TSM: Thanks again for doing this interview. I wish you continued success with all that you do in the future.

FJM: Thanks for asking me. I hope I’ve been some help to someone!

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