[3] Born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Frantz graduated from Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh.

He studied in the early 1970s at the Rhode Island School of Design, where he met both David Byrne and Tina Weymouth.

[6] Frantz and Weymouth also contributed backing vocals and percussion for Gorillaz self-titled debut album.

[7][8] He is ranked number 12 in Stylus Magazine's list of the 50 greatest rock drummers[9] and hosts a monthly radio program, "Chris Frantz the Talking Head", on 89.5 WPKN in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

[11] After Phish covered Talking Heads' Remain in Light, Frantz become known as an influence on the modern jamband scene.