Billy Franks is a singer/songwriter that you’ve probably never heard of. That’s OK, neither had 10 of biggest stars of rock. So why did they record songs for a tribute album to him? 

In his new book “A Far Cry From Sunset: Can 4 Friends Travel 5 Countries and Get 10 Superstars to Appear on a Tribute Album to 1 Unknown Songwriter?” and documentary called “Tribute This!” Bill explains how he and his friends pulled off this incredible feat. 

Billy himself is an accomplished musician. He’s had hits in the UK and even recorded a song for one of Prince Harry’s charities. But how was this relative unknown musician able to get the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty and Bon Jovi to appear on a tribute album to him? 

Just by asking!

He explains how the idea was inspired by his own offer to appear on a tribute album to Springsteen. When he was suddenly dumped in favor of Elvis Costello, he joked he should ask Springsteen to appear on an album honoring him.

And an idea was born! 

Billy tells us how their life on the road inspired the name of the book and what they have planned next. Plus, find out why his summer on the road with his friends taught him that he’d never trade his life for the very famous musicians he got to know.

As a special gift for Growing Bolder listeners, you can purchase a collection of Billy’s six solo albums for just $15. Visit afarcryfromsunset.com and enter the code  GROWINGBOLDERROCKS.