Bob Franke, born July 25, 1947 in Hamtramck, Michigan, is an American folk singer-songwriter. He began his career in 1965 while studying at the University of Michigan, performing at The Ark coffeehouse in Ann Arbor. After graduating with a degree in English literature in 1969, Franke moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, and later pursued a musical career full-time. His debut album Love Can't Be Bitter All the Time was released in 1976. Throughout his career, Franke has released several notable albums including One Evening in Chicago (1982), Brief Histories (1989), and The Desert Questions (2001). His song "Hard Love" featured prominently in Ellen Wittlinger's 1999 young adult novel of the same name. Franke’s music has been covered by various artists, including Kathy Mattea and Peter, Paul and Mary. He also wrote a set of songs for a ballet based on The Velveteen Rabbit in 1990.
