About

Johann Frank’s young career was jump started when Phil Collins discovered him at the age of 14 in his native Switzerland, and instantly realized that his talent had to be nurtured. This determining encounter set Johann on a professional course and over the following four years he performed alongside many world-renown artists such as Phil but also, Mike Rutherford (“Genesis”), Steve Howe (“Yes”), The Pretty Things, MC Solaar and others before turning 18. Collins then enrolled him at Berklee College of Music on a scholarship program. Johann earned his B.A. degree in Music Business in less than two years and had the privilege to perform with Philip Bailey (“Earth Wind & Fire”) and Steve Winwood at the ’08 Commencement Concert. He then headed to Los Angeles in March 2008 and started working with national and international acts such as Arthur Adams, Al B Sure, Marconi, Ojo de Buey, Ray Parker Jr, Mathieu Chedid “M”, Anne Hathaway and Mitchel Musso. 

In 2011, Johann joined the touring band of Engelbert Humperdinck. Initially hired as lead guitarist, he soon became involved with Music Direction and recording work for the legendary singer, whose fame granted Johann the opportunity to work alongside the likes of Willie Nelson, Elton John, Gene Simmons, Emin, Philipp Kirkorov and Sam Bailey. His guitar work can be heard on Engelbert Calling (2014), the “Engelbert Live in Hawaii” PBS Special (2018) and “Reflections” (2019). Johann toured with Engelbert for 11 years in over 40 countries, performing over 500 shows with the legendary crooner in venues as diverse as the Royal Albert Hall and the Kremlin.

Since 2020, Johann has worked with Bret Michaels, Howard Hewett (Shalamar), Colbie Caillat, Michael Lington, Paul Taylor, Wendy Moten, Cece Peniston, Cordae, Haley Reinhart, Sledge Sisters, Louis Price (The Temptations, The Drifters) and Prince Royce. 

In 2023, Johann was cast as one of the original multi-instrumentalists for the World Premiere of “A Transparent Musical” at the Taper Forum in Los Angeles.

Johann’s TV & Movies recording work on guitars, bass, mandolin, Oud, lap steel and ukulele has been sought after by composers such as Giona Ostinelli, Sonya Belousova, Gabriel Mann, Lucas Vidal, Zeltia Montes, Elik Alvarez, Chris Bacon, Mauricio Yazigi and Niv Toar. He is credited in U.S. and international productions starring icons such as Rob Reiner (“Being Charlie”), Christopher Lloyd (“The Boat Builder”), Amaia Montero’s title song for “100 Metros”, TV hit shows such as ABC’s “Modern Family”, “iCarly 210“, Nickelodeon’s “All That”; successful Latin productions such as “Papita Mani Tostón”, Javier Bardem’s “The Good Boss” (2021), and Spanish musical “Voy a Pasármelo Bien” (2022). He is credited with extensive recording work on Netflix’s live action adaptation of Anime sensation “One Piece” (2023), including Aurora’s single “My Sails Are Set”.

His passions for traveling, languages (of which he fluently speaks 6) as well as teaching music online, in person and through Master Classes complete the portrait of a well-rounded and accomplished musician with one mission: “To influence popular music in a qualitative, inspired and positive way.”