SongVault Artist Profile

Francis Jocky is one of the most exciting songwriters in the modern music scene. Francis Jockys music is a mellow blend of pop songwriting, international sounds and flavors, and soulful instrumentation. From Africa to France to the American stage, Francis Jocky is an artist with universal appeal. Francis Jocky was born in Douala-Cameroon. From an early age he learned to express himself through music and by the age of twelve had begun playing piano and writing his own songs.

At the age of fifteen Francis re-located to France and began to pursue his interest in music within the local music scene in a serious manner. Francis has a wonderful duality as an artist which probably has its roots in his combined educational and musical training. He is the recipient of a doctorate from the prestigious Sorbonne in France combined with being a critically acclaimed musician and artist, who has made a name for himself in the European music scene.

Francis has played in several different bands along the way, but it was his collaboration with his brother Bobby in their band, CLASS that got the industry to take notice. The band was signed to a French label and was heavily promoted. Immediately following that experience, Francis began forming his own label. As Francis reputation as an artist grew, he was approached by the legendary, Jon Anderson, lead singer of Yes. After hearing some of Francis work, Anderson proposed that the two form a band. In 1998, Francis and Anderson formed Know and were signed by Eagle Rock Entertainment. Fourteen songs composed by Francis became part of Knows critically acclaimed album The More You Know. Francis later performed at A Tribute to Sting, and also played his own music in clubs throughout France.

His influences are easily traced to artists such as Jackson Browne, Randy Newman and Motown greats such as Stevie Wonder. He has been heavily compared to both Seal and Al Jarreau and also counts among his influences, jazz masters such as Miles Davis and Thelonius Monk. While his recorded music is remarkable, live performances are his strength. During a performance with Jocky, Bono remarked, Francis, you are a star! After working with artists such as Jon Anderson and performing with Stevie Wonder and Bono, Francis embarked on the writing of his debut solo, CD, Mr. Pain. Written and produced entirely by Jocky, the CD has songs that talk about love, the state of the world and the human condition. I play music because I have something to say, Francis says. There are so many things that make you want to scream every day. You need to express them. Jockys Mr. Pain takes you on that journey from frustration to satisfaction in every lyric.