History of Frank Ocean in Timeline
Frank Ocean is an American singer, songwriter, and rapper known for his influence on the alternative R&B genre. His innovative music has earned him critical acclaim, including two Grammy Awards and a Brit Award. Ocean's two studio albums have been recognized for their impact and artistry by being included in Rolling Stone's prestigious "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list.
1960: Release of "Ocean's 11"
The film "Ocean's 11" was released in 1960.
1977: Release of "Hotel California"
The Eagles released their iconic song "Hotel California" in 1977.
October 28, 1987: Birth of Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean was born Christopher Edwin Breaux on October 28, 1987 in Long Beach, California.
August 2005: Hurricane Katrina and University Transfer
In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, significantly impacting Frank Ocean's life. The hurricane destroyed his home and personal recording studio, forcing him to transfer from the University of New Orleans to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
2006: Move to Los Angeles and Songwriting Career
In 2006, Frank Ocean made a pivotal move to Los Angeles to pursue his passion for music. To support himself, he worked various fast-food and service jobs. Within three years, he established himself as a songwriter under the name Lonny Breaux.
2009: Meeting Odd Future and Tyler, the Creator
Frank Ocean crossed paths with members of the Los Angeles-based hip hop collective, Odd Future, in 2009. His connection with Tyler, the Creator, a prominent member of the group, proved particularly influential, reinvigorating Ocean's approach to songwriting.
2009: Signing with Def Jam Recordings
In 2009, Frank Ocean signed with Def Jam Recordings, beginning a lengthy and complex relationship with the label that would influence his early career.
2010: Frank Ocean Joins Odd Future
Frank Ocean joined the hip hop collective Odd Future in 2010.
2010: Death of Frank Ocean's Grandfather and Dedication
Frank Ocean's grandfather, Lionel McGruder Jr., passed away in 2010. As a father figure to Ocean, his grandfather's death deeply impacted him. Ocean paid tribute by dedicating the song "There Will Be Tears" on his mixtape "Nostalgia, Ultra" to his late grandfather.
February 16, 2011: Release of "Nostalgia, Ultra"
Frank Ocean independently released his mixtape "Nostalgia, Ultra" online for free on February 16, 2011, which garnered widespread critical acclaim.
April 2011: Improved Relationship with Def Jam
In April 2011, Frank Ocean revealed that his professional relationship with Def Jam Recordings had strengthened following the release and positive reception of his mixtape "Nostalgia, Ultra".
May 2011: Release of "Novacane"
Frank Ocean released the single "Novacane" on iTunes in May 2011.
May 19, 2011: Def Jam's Plans to Re-release "Nostalgia, Ultra"
On May 19, 2011, Def Jam Recordings announced their intention to officially re-release Frank Ocean's critically acclaimed mixtape, "Nostalgia, Ultra," as an EP.
June 2011: Collaboration on "Watch the Throne"
Frank Ocean contributed to Kanye West and Jay-Z's collaborative album "Watch the Throne", released in June 2011, showcasing his rising prominence in the music industry.
July 28, 2011: Leak of "Thinkin Bout You"
On July 28, 2011, a track titled "Thinkin Bout You" surfaced online. This version, intended as a reference for Roc Nation artist Bridget Kelly, was written by Frank Ocean.
August 2011: Frank Ocean Featured on The Fader
Frank Ocean graced the cover of The Fader magazine's 75th issue, marking a significant moment in his burgeoning career and growing recognition.
September 2011: Release of "Thinkin Bout You" Music Video
A music video for Frank Ocean's version of "Thinkin Bout You," directed by High5Collective, was released in September 2011.
2011: Attempt to Legally Change Name
In 2011, Frank Ocean, then known by his birth name, revealed that he had attempted to legally change his name to Christopher Francis Ocean on his 23rd birthday, partly inspired by the film "Ocean's 11".
April 10, 2012: Release of "Thinkin Bout You" Single
The lead single from Frank Ocean's debut studio album, "Thinkin Bout You," was officially released on April 10, 2012.
July 4, 2012: Public Letter About Sexuality
On July 4, 2012, Frank Ocean bravely addressed speculation about his sexuality by publishing an open letter on his Tumblr blog. In it, he discussed his unrequited love for a young man when he was 19, referring to it as his first true love. This public declaration was met with widespread support from fans and celebrities alike.
2012: Release of "Channel Orange"
Frank Ocean released his debut studio album, "Channel Orange", in 2012, showcasing his unique blend of R&B and soul music.
2012: Release of Channel Orange
In 2012, Frank Ocean released his debut studio album, Channel Orange, to universal acclaim, earning six Grammy Award nominations. The album was praised for its storytelling, social commentary, and musical fusion of jazz, soul, R&B, funk, and electronic music. Songs about unrequited love attracted significant attention, especially after Ocean revealed his first love was a man, making global headlines.
2012: Critical Acclaim for Frank Ocean's Music
In 2012, renowned music critic Alexis Petridis praised Frank Ocean's work, solidifying his standing as a significant force in contemporary music.
January 27, 2013: Altercation with Chris Brown
On January 27, 2013, Frank Ocean was involved in an altercation with singer Chris Brown in the parking lot of a Los Angeles recording studio. The incident reportedly began over a parking dispute, escalating to physical violence. While charges were dropped, the event brought significant media attention and public scrutiny.
February 2013: Work on Second Studio Album
In February 2013, Frank Ocean confirmed he had begun working on his second studio album, a concept album influenced by The Beach Boys and The Beatles. He collaborated with Tyler, the Creator, Pharrell Williams, and Danger Mouse and expressed interest in working with Tame Impala and King Krule.
May 28, 2013: Announcement of You're Not Dead ... 2013 Tour
On May 28, 2013, Frank Ocean announced the You're Not Dead ... 2013 Tour, a fourteen-date European and Canadian tour, which began on June 16, 2013, in Munich.
August 4, 2013: Cancellation of OVO Fest Performance
On August 4, 2013, Frank Ocean was scheduled to perform at OVO Fest but had to cancel due to a small vocal cord injury. The first night of the festival was subsequently canceled, with James Blake replacing Ocean on the second night.
2013: Brit Award for International Male Solo Artist
At the 2013 Brit Awards, Frank Ocean won the Brit Award for International Male Solo Artist, recognizing his impact and success in the music industry.
2013: Time's 100 Most Influential People
Frank Ocean's growing influence was recognized in 2013 when he was included in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
2013: Grammy Awards and Time's Influential People
At the 2013 Grammy Awards, Frank Ocean's "Channel Orange" was nominated for Album of the Year and won Best Urban Contemporary Album. That same year, he was recognized by Time magazine as one of the world's most influential people.
March 10, 2014: Release of Song 'Hero'
On March 10, 2014, Frank Ocean released 'Hero,' a song in collaboration with Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and Diplo, as part of Converse's Three Artists. One Song series, and it was made available for free download on SoundCloud.
March 2014: Withdrawal from Chipotle Commercial
In March 2014, Frank Ocean withdrew from a Chipotle ad campaign where he was slated to cover "Pure Imagination". He cited misrepresentation of the campaign's focus, stating it deviated from the initial emphasis on responsible farming. Despite withdrawing, Ocean returned the $212,500 fee, showcasing his integrity. Fiona Apple ultimately recorded the song for the commercial.
March 2014: Reported Legal Name Change
Reports surfaced in March 2014 that Frank Ocean was legally changing his name, though the specific details were not widely disclosed.
April 2014: Progress on Second Album
In April 2014, Frank Ocean announced that his second album was nearly finished, exciting fans with the progress of his highly anticipated follow-up to Channel Orange.
September 2014: Channel Orange Sales Achievement
By September 2014, Frank Ocean's album Channel Orange had sold 621,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan, reflecting its ongoing commercial success since its release.
September 2014: New Management and Representation
In September 2014, Frank Ocean's critical success and musical awards led to new management and representation. Ocean signed with Mark Gillespie of Three Six Zero Entertainment.
November 2014: Name Change Delay
In November 2014, it was revealed that Frank Ocean's legal name change was facing delays due to multiple speeding offenses.
November 29, 2014: Snippet Release of 'Memrise'
On November 29, 2014, Frank Ocean released a snippet of a new song called 'Memrise' on his official Tumblr page. The song was rumored to be part of his upcoming album Boys Don't Cry, showcasing Ocean's continued experimentation and sense of melancholy.
April 6, 2015: Announcement of Album Release Date
On April 6, 2015, Frank Ocean announced that his follow-up to Channel Orange would be released in July 2015. However, the album was ultimately not released in July, with no explanation given for the delay.
April 23, 2015: Legal Name Change Finalized
After facing delays, Frank Ocean's legal name change was finally finalized on April 23, 2015.
July 2, 2015: Hint at Second Album Release
On July 2, 2015, Frank Ocean hinted at a possible second album with an image on his website pointing to a July release date. The image showed a library card labeled Boys Don't Cry with numerous due dates, suggesting various release dates, concluding with July 2016.
February 2016: Feature on Kanye West's Album
In February 2016, Frank Ocean was featured on Kanye West's album The Life of Pablo on the track 'Wolves,' which was later re-edited and listed as its own song titled 'Frank's Track.'
June 2016: Essay on Orlando Nightclub Shooting
In June 2016, following the tragic Orlando nightclub shooting, Frank Ocean penned a poignant essay expressing his grief and frustration. He shared his own experiences with homophobia and transphobia, including an incident with his father when he was six years old.
July 2016: Further Hint at Album Release
In July 2016, Frank Ocean's brother, Ryan Breaux, suggested an upcoming album release with an Instagram caption of the Boys Don't Cry library card photo reading 'BOYS DON'T CRY #JULY2016,' further hinting at the anticipated release.
August 1, 2016: Endless Live Stream
By August 1, 2016, Frank Ocean began an endless live stream on boysdontcry.co, featuring woodworking and playing instrumentals from his upcoming visual album Endless. The stream was sponsored by Apple Music and lasted approximately 140 hours.
August 5, 2016: Rumored Release Date of Boys Don't Cry
On August 5, 2016, many news outlets speculated that this could be the release date for Frank Ocean's album Boys Don't Cry. However, the date turned out to be inaccurate.
August 20, 2016: Release of 'Blonde' and 'Nikes' Music Video
On August 20, 2016, Frank Ocean released his second studio album 'Blonde' to widespread acclaim. The same day, he uploaded a music video for the song 'Nikes' on Apple Music and his own website. The album debuted at number one in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, and recorded significant sales in its first week. Ocean also announced pop-up shops for his magazine Boys Don't Cry in several major cities.
2016: Release of "Endless" and "Blonde"
In 2016, Frank Ocean fulfilled his contractual obligations with Def Jam by releasing the visual album "Endless". Notably, he independently released his second studio album, "Blonde", just a day later, marking a significant moment in his career.
2016: Release of Endless Visual Album
On August 18 and 19, 2016, Frank Ocean's live stream was accompanied by music, leading up to the midnight release of his visual album Endless on Apple Music, marking his final album with Def Jam Recordings.
February 21, 2017: Calvin Harris Announces 'Slide' Featuring Frank Ocean
On February 21, 2017, Calvin Harris announced the single 'Slide,' featuring Frank Ocean and hip-hop trio Migos. This marked Ocean's first recorded collaboration since leaving Def Jam and was released two days later.
February 23, 2017: 'Slide' by Calvin Harris Released
On February 23, 2017, the single 'Slide' by Calvin Harris, featuring Frank Ocean and Migos, was released. The song became a significant hit and was Ocean's first top ten single on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 chart.
March 10, 2017: Release of 'Chanel' Single
On March 10, 2017, Frank Ocean released a new single titled 'Chanel' on the second episode of his Beats 1 radio show, Blonded Radio. This was his first solo effort following the release of his albums 'Blonde' and 'Endless' in 2016.
May 1, 2017: Met Gala Photographer
On May 1, 2017, Frank Ocean attended the annual Met Gala, not as a guest, but as a special photographer for Vogue magazine.
October 2017: Publication of 'New 17' Photo Essay
In October 2017, Frank Ocean published a photo essay titled 'New 17' in the British magazine i-D. In the essay, he reflected on the year and hinted at exciting prospects for the future.
October 17, 2017: Defamation Lawsuit Victory
Frank Ocean faced a defamation lawsuit from his father in 2017, stemming from the essay he wrote about his experiences with homophobia. On October 17, 2017, the judge ruled in favor of Ocean, stating that his father failed to provide sufficient evidence of defamation.
October 23, 2017: i-D Magazine Features
Frank Ocean graced not one, but two covers of British fashion magazine i-D on October 23, 2017, accompanied by a visual essay.
November 2017: Hint at Fifth Project Completion
In November 2017, Frank Ocean hinted on Tumblr that his fifth project was complete. However, details about the release or content remain unknown.
2017: Last Live Performances Before Hiatus
Frank Ocean's last live performances before a hiatus that lasted until 2023 took place in 2017.
2017: Ventures Beyond Music: Singles, Photography, and Fashion
From 2017 onward, Frank Ocean adopted a more versatile approach to his career. He continued releasing singles periodically but also explored other creative avenues. He worked as a photographer for various magazines, launched his own fashion brand called Homer, and started Homer Radio.
2017: Release of "Lens" and Mention of Grandfather
In 2017, Frank Ocean released the single "Lens," in which he made a touching reference to his grandfather, Lionel.
2017: Forbes 30 Under 30
In 2017, Frank Ocean's continued success and impact on the music industry earned him a spot on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
February 14, 2018: Release of 'Moon River' Cover
On February 14, 2018, Frank Ocean released a cover of 'Moon River', originally performed by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film, 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'.
July 9, 2018: 'Blonde' Certified Platinum
On July 9, 2018, Frank Ocean's album 'Blonde' was certified platinum by the RIAA. This recognition highlighted the album's sustained popularity and significant sales since its release in 2016.
November 6, 2018: Blonded Radio Midterm Specials
On November 6, 2018, Frank Ocean aired three midterm specials of Blonded Radio, coinciding with the US Midterm elections. The shows included political discussions and offered new merchandise to voters in several cities.
February 5, 2019: Tumblr Account Hack
On February 5, 2019, Frank Ocean's Tumblr account was hacked, revealing information about his material. The posts were later deleted.
October 19, 2019: Release of 'DHL' Single
On October 19, 2019, Frank Ocean released a new song titled 'DHL' on his Beats 1 radio show, Blonded Radio. He also announced 7-inch vinyl singles for the songs 'Dear April' and 'Cayendo'.
November 1, 2019: Release of 'In My Room' Single
On November 1, 2019, Frank Ocean released the song 'In My Room' on Blonded Radio. The song was also made available online shortly after its premiere.
2019: Political Endorsement
During the 2019 UK general elections, Frank Ocean used his platform to encourage his British fans to vote for the Labour Party via his Instagram story.
February 25, 2020: Announcement to Replace 'Little Demon'
On February 25, 2020, Frank Ocean announced he would replace the song 'Little Demon' with an unreleased track. The vinyl for 'Little Demon' was canceled and refunds were provided.
February 28, 2020: Release of Replacement Song for 'Little Demon'
On February 28, 2020, Frank Ocean released an unreleased song as a replacement for 'Little Demon'.
March 25, 2020: Shipping of 'Dear April' and 'Cayendo' Vinyl Singles
Starting March 25, 2020, Frank Ocean's website began shipping vinyl singles for 'Dear April' and 'Cayendo'. The exclusivity of these releases led to leaks on social media platforms.
August 2, 2020: Passing of Ryan Breaux
Tragedy struck on August 2, 2020, when Frank Ocean's younger brother, Ryan Breaux, lost his life in a car accident at the age of 18.
October 2020: Coachella Headline Postponed and Canceled
Frank Ocean was set to headline Coachella in October 2020, but the event was postponed and eventually canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Death of Ryan Breaux
In a tragic event in 2020, Frank Ocean's younger brother, Ryan Breaux, lost his life in a car accident.
2020: Frank Ocean's Albums Listed in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time"
In 2020, Frank Ocean's two studio albums were included in Rolling Stone's prestigious "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list.
August 8, 2021: Launch of 'Homer' Fashion Project
On August 8, 2021, Frank Ocean revealed his first fashion project, 'Homer'. Announced in a Financial Times interview, Homer is described as an independent American luxury company founded by Ocean, drawing inspiration from childhood obsessions and heritage as a fantasy.
August 2021: Confirmation of 2023 Coachella Headline
In August 2021, Coachella co-founder Paul Tollett confirmed that Frank Ocean will headline the festival in 2023.
December 25, 2021: Release of Untitled Song
On December 25, 2021, Frank Ocean surprised fans by releasing a new 9-minute song on his Beats 1 radio show, Blonded Radio. The untitled track featured musical contributions from Cory Henry.
June 2022: Feature Film Directorial Debut
In June 2022, news broke that Frank Ocean was in talks to direct his first feature film, with A24 attached to produce.
January 10, 2023: Coachella Headliner Announcement
On January 10, 2023, Coachella announced Frank Ocean as a headliner for their upcoming festival, marking his first live performance since 2017.
October 2023: Open Letter for Gaza Ceasefire
In October 2023, Frank Ocean joined a group of artists in signing an open letter addressed to President Joe Biden, urging him to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
2023: Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Singers of All Time
In 2023, Frank Ocean's distinctive vocals and impactful music earned him a place on Rolling Stone's list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, coming in at number 190.