Frankie Raye is not just a name, but a testament to perseverance, passion, and authenticity in music. Originally hailing from a small town in Midwestern Ohio, Frankie’s musical journey has been shaped by her roots, personal experiences, and a drive that has led her to stages across the southeastern United States and beyond. Now based in Tampa, Florida, she captivates audiences with her impressive live performances, consistently appearing at a variety of venues across Florida each week, bringing her unique brand of music to venues that range from intimate hotel lounges to larger public events. Her story is one of resilience, hard work, and an unyielding dedication to her craft, and she has earned a place in the hearts of listeners everywhere.

Frankie Raye’s career began in the most organic way possible—within her own family. Born into a musical household, she grew up watching her parents perform at local restaurants, and music quickly became her way of connecting to the world around her. After her parents divorced and her father left the picture, she and her mother moved to Tampa. Music continued to be a central part of her life, and the two would spend countless nights singing together, listening to records from artists like Joni Mitchell, Joan Osborn, and Alanis Morrissette. This early exposure to poetic, emotion-driven music would lay the foundation for Frankie’s own songwriting, shaping her lyrical style as she sought to explore the complexities of the human experience.

Frankie’s fascination with music wasn’t limited to just listening. From a young age, she absorbed the lyrics of the artists she admired, pouring over CD jackets to understand the stories they told. Armed with just a few chords her mother taught her, she began crafting her own songs, finding solace in the writing process. By the time she was in high school, she was performing at local coffee shops, showcasing her music to anyone who would listen. When she wasn’t allowed into bars due to her age, Frankie took matters into her own hands and performed just outside, catching the attention of passersby. It was clear from the start that her passion for music wasn’t something that could be contained by traditional boundaries.

One of the significant moments in Frankie’s life came when she was just 16 years old. She learned through a family friend that her father, whom she hadn’t seen in nearly a decade, had passed away. This emotional discovery prompted her to write “Song for Dad,” a heart-wrenching piece that continues to move audiences to tears during her performances. The song captures the complicated emotions of loss, regret, and unspoken reconciliation, demonstrating her ability to channel deeply personal experiences into music that resonates on a universal level.

Frankie’s college years saw the growth of her career from small performances to a more established presence in the Tampa music scene. She utilized emerging social media platforms like Myspace and YouTube to share her music with a wider audience, showcasing her DIY ethic by recording on a simple 4-channel recorder at home. Soon, she was booking performances at restaurants and bars, establishing herself as the go-to musician for venues across Tampa Bay. It was during this period that her rigorous performance schedule took shape—a demanding yet rewarding six-nights-a-week routine that she maintains to this day.

Despite the challenges that come with balancing a high-performance schedule with creative output, Frankie continued to release original music. Her debut album, Brave, was released in 2019 and received attention from both domestic and international college radio stations. The album solidified her status as a rising star, combining elements of folk and pop in a way that felt fresh and authentic. But it was her single, Theodora, released during the global lockdown in 2020, that further demonstrated her ability to adapt and create even in the face of adversity. Written and recorded in her own bedroom, Theodora garnered critical acclaim and made the final rounds in several songwriting competitions, including the Songwriters Guild of America and Indie International Songwriters Network.

While some critics have described her music as “self-indulgent” or “too wordy,” fans have embraced her witty and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, celebrating her refusal to conform to the expectations of others. Frankie’s music comes from a place of unapologetic honesty, and she continues to write and perform in a way that reflects her genuine voice, not one shaped by industry trends or commercial pressures.

As Frankie’s career progressed, so did her opportunities. She has performed at notable venues such as the legendary Bitter End in New York City and participated in prestigious events like the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. Her performances at these festivals, including a sold-out show at Flora-Bama, have left audiences captivated, showcasing not only her vocal talents but also her storytelling prowess. She has also made appearances at the Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, and headlined showcases at the House of Blues in Disneyland. Through these performances, she has developed artist partnerships with companies like G7th Capos, Mogami Cables, and Teton Guitars, further cementing her place within the music industry.

Frankie Raye’s music is difficult to categorize, as she blends elements of pop, folk, and soul into a sound that defies easy labeling. What sets her apart, however, is not just her genre-blending style, but her commitment to writing music that speaks to the human heart. In a world filled with division and uncertainty, her songs offer a reminder that vulnerability, honesty, and emotional connection are more important than ever. As she prepares to release a new EP in late 2024, there is no doubt that Frankie will continue to captivate listeners with her thoughtful lyrics and heartfelt performances.

In every note she plays and every lyric she writes, Frankie Raye’s journey is a reminder that music, at its best, is about telling the truth—her truth. And it is this truth that keeps audiences coming back for more.

Stay Connected with Frankie Raye

Discover more of Frankie Raye’s music and stay up to date with her latest projects:

• Official Website: Visit Frankie Raye’s website for upcoming shows, new music, and news.
• Spotify: Stream her music on Spotify and enjoy her albums, including Brave and her single Theodora.
• Instagram: Follow Frankie on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates, performance clips, and more.

Published by: Khy Talara