Frank Houston

I/we will arrive at a reasonable time with all necessary equipment needed for performance unless otherwise agreed upon with client. For solo sax bookings, I will play along with background tracks to maintain a full ensemble sound and feel. I/we will dress appropriately for the specific type of event. Client and guests are welcome to take pictures and videos of the performance. For performances longer than one hour, I/we will take reasonable breaks (e.g. 2 hr booking = 10-15 min break, 3 hr booking = two 15 min breaks) unless other arrangements have been made with client. The most important thing is that the client is happy!

Composer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Frank Houston Hayes has gained experience within all major genres of American music, including jazz, pop, country, R&B, rock, gospel and hip-hop, among others. In his developing career, he has been fortunate to work with international award-winning acts, including Ne-Yo, Thomas Rhett, Musiq Soulchild, George Duke, PJ Morton, Khalil Fong and many more.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Frank began playing his primary instrument, the saxophone, in elementary school. In middle school, he was introduced to jazz and quickly developed a deep passion for the genre. During high school, in the marching and symphonic band, he began playing the euphonium, which temporarily became his main instrument.

Frank attended Clark Atlanta University (CAU), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business management. After nearly a two-year hiatus from the saxophone, Frank decided to join the CAU Jazz Orchestra. It was during this time when he decided to pursue a career in music, and also to pledge Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc. For two consecutive years, he auditioned and was selected from a HBCU-wide audition to be a member of the African-American Jazz Caucus’ HBCU All-star Big Band. The group performed in Toronto at the 35th Annual International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) Conference, the Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival, and the Schomburg Center in Harlem, New York.

Since his college years, Frank has toured nation-wide and recorded with R&B/soul icon, Musiq Soulchild. He has also performed and recorded in Hong Kong with Mandopop superstar, Khalil Fong. Additionally, Frank has had opportunities to perform on nationally-televised shows such as, Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The AMAs (American Music Awards), CMA (Country Music Association) Awards, Soul Train Awards, The Ellen Show, Today Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Originals, Braxton Family Values, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and Married to Medicine. In 2014, Frank learned to play the trombone and has since performed as a trombonist with artists such as Lyfe Jennings, even opening for Pitbull (with A-town A-list) at the 2016 San Luis Salute in Galveston, TX.

A jazz lover at heart, Frank released his first album entitled, “First Hand” in 2016. The instrumental jazz album consists of nine original compositions, featuring some of the most renowned, accomplished and respected Atlanta-based musicians. The album is available on iTunes and all other major digital music outlets.

Frank has since toured internationally with country pop superstar, Thomas Rhett. He is also fortunate to have recorded on Musiq Soulchild’s album, “Feel the Real”, which was nominated “Best R&B Album” for the 2018 Grammy Awards. Currently, Frank is the saxophonist/flautist for Ne-Yo and Akon's "Nights Like This" international tour.

Frank is a Cannonball Saxophones Artist.