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Frank "Son" Seals (August 14, 1942 – December 20, 2004) was an American electric blues guitarist and singer.
In 2009, Seals was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.
In 1971, Seals moved to Chicago. His career took off after he was discovered by Bruce Iglauer of Alligator Records at the Flamingo Club on Chicago's South Side. (1995). 9780851126739, Guinness Publishing. ISBN 9780851126739 His debut album, The Son Seals Blues Band, was released in 1973. The album included "Your Love Is Like a Cancer" and "Hot Sauce". It was followed by Midnight Son (1976) and Live and Burning (1978). Seals released several albums in the next two decades, all but one on Alligator Records, including Chicago Fire (1980), Bad Axe (1984), Living in the Danger Zone (1991), Nothing but the Truth (1994) and (1996). He received W.C. Handy Awards in 1985, 1987, and 2001.
The writer Andrew Vachss, a friend of his, used his influence to promote Seals's music. Vachss gave Seals several in his novels, and co-wrote songs with him for his album Lettin' Go, released in 2000.Cordle, Owen (2001). "Keepin' On". News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.). March 16, 2001. Vachss dedicated his novel Mask Market to Seals's memory.Vachss, Andrew (2006). Mask Market. Pantheon. .
In 2002, Seals contributed to the Bo Diddley tribute album, Hey Bo Diddley – A Tribute!, performing the song "My Story" (also known as "Story of Bo Diddley").
Seals had a hard life. He survived all but one of his fourteen siblings. In 1997 he was shot in the jaw by his wife, sustaining injuries which required reconstructive surgery. In 1999 part of his left leg was amputated as a result of complications from diabetes. He lost belongings in a fire that destroyed his home while he was away performing, and several of his prized guitars were stolen from his home.Hoekstra, Dave (2002). "Veteran Guitarist Paying the Dues to Play the Blues". Chicago Sun-Times. February 3, 2002. After his health began to decline, Seals toured with accompaniment by several different bands, including those of James Soleberg, Jimmy Vivino, and Big Jim Kohler.
The band Phish performed Seals's song "Funky Bitch" and brought him on stage on several occasions. In 1999, Seals performed at Camp Oswego, the only one of Phish's multi-day summer festivals that included performances by artists other than themselves.
Seals died in 2004, at the age of 62, from complications of diabetes."Son Seals". Associated Press. December 21, 2004.
In 2009, Seals was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, in the category 'Performer'.
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