Early Life and Education of Frank Ocean: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Frank Ocean. A timeline of key moments.

Frank Ocean is an influential American singer-songwriter, widely recognized as a pioneer of alternative R&B. He has received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards and a Brit Award. Both of his studio albums have earned spots on Rolling Stone's '500 Greatest Albums of All Time,' solidifying his status as a significant figure in contemporary music. His innovative sound and introspective lyrics have resonated with audiences worldwide.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1972: Reference to David Bowie's Bisexuality Reveal

In 2012, when Frank Ocean revealed his first love was a man, some critics compared its cultural impact to when David Bowie revealed that he was bisexual in 1972.

October 28, 1987: Frank Ocean's Birth

On October 28, 1987, Christopher Edwin Breaux, known professionally as Frank Ocean, was born. He is an American singer and songwriter recognized as a pioneer of alternative R&B.

Others born on this day/year

August 2005: Hurricane Katrina

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, destroying Frank Ocean's home and personal recording facility, and forcing him to transfer from the University of New Orleans to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

2006: Move to Los Angeles

In 2006, Frank Ocean moved to Los Angeles to pursue his music career and worked various jobs to support himself, establishing himself as a songwriter under the name Lonny Breaux.

2010: Death of Lionel McGruder Jr.

In 2010, Frank Ocean's grandfather, Lionel McGruder Jr., who was a father figure to him, passed away. Frank Ocean dedicated the song "There Will Be Tears" on his mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra to him.

Loading Video...

2011: Ocean attempts to legally change his name

In 2011, Frank Ocean stated that he attempted to change his name to Christopher Francis Ocean through a legal website on his 23rd birthday, inspired by the 1960 film Ocean's 11.

Loading Video...

July 4, 2012: Publication of open letter on Tumblr

On July 4, 2012, Frank Ocean published an open letter on his Tumblr blog recounting his past feelings for another young man, citing it as his first true love. He thanked the man for his influence and expressed feeling like a free man.

2012: Frank Ocean discusses sexuality in 2012 interview

In a 2012 interview, Frank Ocean addressed the question of whether he considers himself bisexual, stating that he believes life is dynamic and his views on labels and boxes apply to music genres as well.

January 27, 2013: Altercation between Frank Ocean and Chris Brown

On January 27, 2013, an altercation occurred between Frank Ocean and Chris Brown in the parking lot of a Los Angeles recording studio. The incident allegedly began after Ocean accused Brown of taking his parking spot. Charges were eventually dropped.

March 2014: Reports of Frank Ocean legally changing his name

In March 2014, it was reported that Frank Ocean was legally changing his name to Frank Ocean.

November 2014: Name change legalization delayed due to speeding offenses

In November 2014, it was revealed that the legalization of Frank Ocean's name change had not been finalized due to multiple speeding offenses.

April 23, 2015: Frank Ocean's name change is legalized

On April 23, 2015, Frank Ocean's name change was finally legalized.

June 2016: Ocean publishes essay following Orlando nightclub shooting

In June 2016, Frank Ocean published an essay expressing his sadness and frustration following the Orlando nightclub shooting. He discussed his first experience with homophobia and transphobia at age six and the cycle of hateful values being passed down.

October 17, 2017: Judge rules in favor of Ocean in defamation lawsuit

On October 17, 2017, a judge ruled in favor of Frank Ocean in a defamation lawsuit filed by his father. The judge determined that Ocean's father did not provide sufficient evidence of defamation after a hearing where Ocean and both of his parents testified.

2017: Reference to Lionel McGruder Jr. in "Lens"

In 2017, Frank Ocean mentioned his grandfather, Lionel McGruder Jr., in his single "Lens".

Loading Video...

November 6, 2018: Blonded Radio midterm specials

On November 6, 2018, three midterm specials of Blonded Radio were aired in conjunction with the US Midterm elections, with new merchandise given to voters in select cities. The shows featured political discussions, including Ocean's perspective as an openly queer black man in rap.

Loading Video...