Yan Abramovich Frenkel[a] (November 21, 1920 – August 25, 1989) was a Soviet composer and performer of Jewish descent.

During his later career he worked in collaboration with many prominent Soviet musicians, including Mikhail Tanich, Igor Shaferan, and the husband and wife team Konstantin Vanshenkin and Inna Goff [ru].

Yan Frenkel died on August 25, 1989, in Riga (as foreshadowed in his song Avgust ('August') to the lyrics of Inna Goff).

His grandson Ian Frenkel is a musician (pianist and arranger) in the United States Coast Guard Band.

As reported by composer's fan site, members of Soviet ruling bureaucracy orchestrated a campaign against 'The Cranes', citing the song's religious undertones.