He has recorded with a variety of well-known artists, such as Patti Austin, Art Garfunkel, Brenda Russell, Claus Ogerman, Joe Sample, and David Sanborn.

His songs have been recorded by Gordon Haskell, Shirley Bassey, The Carpenters, Kurt Elling, Diana Krall, Patti LaBelle, Lyle Lovett, The Manhattan Transfer, Leo Sidran, Veronica Nunn, Carmen McRae, Ringo Starr and Natalie Cole.

Although no one in his family was a musician, his parents loved swing music, and his early influences included Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Johnny Mercer.

Studying English at UCLA, Michael discovered Dave Brubeck, Patti Page, Stan Getz, João Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Miles Davis.

Pop #43, U.S. AC #45) 1977 - The Lady Wants to Know 1978 - When the Cookie Jar Is Empty 1979 - When It's Over 1980 - On My Way Home to You 1980 - One Bad Habit 1980 - Baseball 1982 - Jealousy 1982 - Love Duet (with Renee Diggs) 1982 - Comin' Home to You 1983 - Can't Seem to Shake This Rock 'n Roll 1985 - Your Secret's Safe with Me (U.S. AC #4, Canada AC #9) 1985 - When I Give My Love to You (with Brenda Russell) 1985 - Queen of the Underground 1985 - Michael Franks 1987 - Island Life 1987 - The Camera Never Lies 1987 - Doctor Sax / Face to Face 1990 - The Art of Love (U.S. R&B #59) 1990 - Speak to Me (U.S. R&B #73) 1991 - Practice Makes Perfect 1991 - Woman in the Waves 1992 - The Dream (with Yellowjackets) 1993 - Soulmate 1996 - Christmas Time Is Here (with David Benoit) 2003 - Christmas in Kyoto 2004 - Smash Up 1