More About Joel:

Joel Frankel never aspired to become an entertainer. But after acquiring a degree in nutrition, he discovered a taste for music and performance that has been in his soul ever since. Now, more than three decades later, he writes and performs full time and has recorded four successful children’s CD’s, including his latest album, "Ship of Chocolate Chips." 

Born in Norman, Oklahoma, and having lived in eight different states in eleven years, Frankel spent his early life on the road without even being on tour. He received his first guitar at the age 8 and took to writing songs throughout his school years. After graduating from college, Frankel’s musical aspirations took a more professional turn. He moved to Los Angeles to pursue his musical dream and landed a job working with two of the industry’s most noted talents; legendary songwriter, Barry Mann and renowned producer and recording artist, Steve Tyrell. He also spent a year studying music and songwriting at the Dick Grove School of Music in Van Nuys, California. There, he and his long-time musical partner, Eddie Ganet, formed the rock band Down Boy Down. They worked with Bill Graham Management and were the first band to play at the famous China Club in Los Angeles.

Following the birth of his daughter, Frankel relocated to Chicago and began writing and performing songs for children. At the request of parents, he recorded his first album, Don’t Sit On A Cactus. His next recordings, I Can’t Sit Still, JoJo’s Barnyard Bash and Ship of Chocolate Chips have received numerous awards, including the Dr. Toy Award, inclusion on the Scholastic Top Ten Children’s Music list, the Children’s Music Web Award and the highly coveted Parent’s Choice Award.

His hit song “We Go Together,” was featured in the classic Tom Hanks motion picture “Big.” Another of his popular songs, “I’d Be a Bee,” is used by music educators nationwide as an enhanced learning aid. Frankel has laudable songwriting credits as his songs are frequently placed in television shows syndicated worldwide and can be heard on The Learning Channel, NBC’s Movie of the Week and MTV.

Currently residing in Chicago , he is a member of ASCAP and is on the faculty of the venerable Old Town School of Folk Music. He performs throughout the year for venues such as The Taste of Chicago, Navy Pier, The Chicago Children’s Museum, The Greater Chicago Jewish Arts Festival and on WGN-TV. Visit the "Booking & Press page  to book Joel. If you would like a song written for a special event, see the songwriter page and of course, stop by the Music Store!

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