Frankie J

Francisco Javier Bautista Jr., known in music as Frankie J, was born in Tijuana, Mexico in 1978. Frankie J's native language is Spanish, though he moved to San Diego, California at the age of two when his uncle brought him to America.

Frankie J has rich musical background as his father was the lead singer in a traditional band, while his grandfather Feliciano Bautista was a violinist. Still, Frankie J immersed himself in Latin music and American urban music, which became clear when he began to record his own music.

While attending Southwest Senior High School in San Diego, California, Frankie J began to perform in talent shows and at school functions. He signed to Hola Recordings in 1997, but nothing resulted from the deal. His first real well-known work in the music industry began in 1999 when he became a member of the Kumbia Kings. As a part of the group, Frankie J toured Latin America, building his musical talents.

His solo career launched in 2003 when Frankie J signed to Columbia Records. On the label, he put out his debut album, What's A Man To Do. The album featured the single "Don't Wanna Try" which reached #76 on the Hot 100, and "Ya No Es Igual" which hit #11 on the Hot Latin chart.

Working with big hitters like Irv Gotti, Mario Winans, and Bryan-Michael Cox, Frankie J came out in 2005 with his album The One. The album went platinum in the United States and its single, "Obsession" went platinum. The single was a cover of Aventura's 2002 hit single, and reached #3 on the Hot 100. The album's other singles, "More Than Words" and "How To Deal" reahced #25 and #39 on the Hot 100 respectively.

In 2006, Frankie J released his third album, Priceless. The album featured one popular single with "That Girl" reaching #43 on the Hot 100. The album's other singles, "Daddy's Little Girl" and "If He Can't Be" did not chart.

Frankie J is reported to have a new album coming out, titled Time. It features collaboration with Sam Salter and released a video in June, 2008 titled "Pictures."