Belgian pop star Frank Michael was born Franco Gabelli in Parma, Italy, on May 7, 1953. While Michael was still a youth, his parents relocated to Belgium. From adolescence, he was inspired to become a singer, taking his first step toward that goal in 1974. Working as an electrical technician in a local factory, Michael put away time and money toward the production of his first single, "Je Ne Peux Vivre Sans Toi" (I Can't Live Without You). While many of his contemporaries were working traditional channels to success (i.e., record companies and complex promotional strategies), Michael built his reputation from the ground up. Tireless touring and performing won him a large and loyal fan base throughout his native Belgium, France, Canada, and beyond. Singles such as "Dites-Lui Que Je l'Aime," "San Angelo," and "Entends Ma Voix" established Michael as the crooner of his generation. A number of successful tours and a few gold records later, Michael moved to the Up Music sublabel of Warner France. His first record with the company, Entre Nous, sold more than 100,000 units. The artist's popularity continued to flourish through the mid-2000s, with the highly successful release of 2004's La Force des Femmes and 2006's Les Couleurs de Ma Vie. Michael is one of few artists who can claim a steady climb from his early days through the present. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez