Who Is Black Francis? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born Charles Thompson IV on April 6, 1965, Black Francis is currently 59 years old. Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, he is best known as the frontman of the influential alternative rock band Pixies. Francis’ career took off in the late 1980s, with the band’s unique sound contributing to the emergence of the grunge and indie rock scenes. Over the years, he has also pursued solo projects and collaborated with various artists while maintaining a loyal fan base.
Occupation | Rock Singer |
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Date of Birth | April 6, 1965 |
Age | 60 Years |
Birth Place | Boston, Massachusetts |
Horoscope | Aries |
Country |
Popularity
Black Francis's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), Black Francis has a medium build. While specific weight details are often private, it’s believed he maintains a healthy lifestyle to keep up with the demands of touring and recording. His exact body measurements are not publicly available, but he is known for his energetic stage presence and expressive performance style.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Black Francis is privately enjoying his life away from the limelight. While he has been married before, details about current relationships are relatively low-key. Francis has three children from his previous relationships, and he often emphasizes the importance of family in his life. Fans remain curious about any potential girlfriends or partners, but he tends to keep his personal life out of the public eye.
His father was a bar owner. Thompson lived in Los Angeles, California, because his father wanted to "learn more about the restaurant and bar business". Thompson was introduced to music at a young age, as his parents listened to 1960s folk rock. His first guitar was his mother's, a Yamaha classical guitar bought with money from his father's bar tips, which he started to play at age "11 or 12".
Net Worth and Salary
Black Francis has amassed an impressive net worth over his lengthy career, estimated at around $7 million as of 2025. His earnings are primarily derived from album sales, concert tours, and royalties from his extensive catalog of music. Furthermore, with ongoing projects and collaborations, he continues to bolster his financial standing within the music industry.
Career, Business and Investments
Francis’ career took a significant turn with the formation of Pixies in 1986, which became a defining act in the alternative rock genre. Beyond the band, he has explored various musical endeavors, including solo albums and side projects such as The Catholics and Grand Duchy. In recent years, he has also ventured into producing and collaborates with emerging artists, showcasing his passion for nurturing new talent. As an astute business mind, he has made strategic investments in music-related ventures, ensuring his longevity in the industry.
Charles Michael Kittridge Thompson IV (born April 6, 1965) is an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He is the frontman of the alternative rock band Pixies, with whom he performs under the stage name Black Francis. Following the band's breakup in 1993, he embarked on a solo career under the name Frank Black.
After releasing two albums with record label 4AD and one with American Recordings, he left the label and formed a new band, Frank Black and the Catholics. He re-adopted the name Black Francis in 2007.
Social Network
Black Francis actively engages with his fans through various social media platforms. He has a substantial following on Twitter, where he shares insights about his music, upcoming shows, and personal thoughts. Although not overly active on Instagram, he occasionally posts snippets from his life and career. His strong online presence helps him connect with fans and keeps them informed about his latest projects.
In his second year of college, Thompson embarked on a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, as part of an exchange program. He spent six months in an apartment with a "weird, psycho roommate" who later served as a direct inspiration for the Pixies song "Crackity Jones"; many of the band's early songs refer to Thompson's experiences in Puerto Rico.
Thompson failed to learn to speak Spanish formally, and left his studies after debating whether he would go to New Zealand to view Halley's Comet (he later said it "seemed like the cool romantic thing to do at the time"), or start a rock band.
He wrote a letter urging Santiago, with the words "we gotta do it, now is the time, Joe", to join him in a band upon his return to Boston.
Education
Francis attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he studied painting and music. His time in college significantly influenced his artistic direction, allowing him to merge visual art with his musical exploits. This educational background has lent itself to his innovative approach in both music and visual media throughout his career.
In conclusion, as of 2025, Black Francis remains a vital force in the music world, continuing to inspire and entertain millions with his unique sound and artistic vision. Whether through his musical ventures, personal life, or ongoing projects, he certainly has made his mark and will continue to do so for years to come.
"I used to hang out with some misfits. [...] We were the 'we listen to odd-ball music' kids. I wasn't hanging out at all-ages shows or trying to get into clubs to see bands, and I was buying records at used records stores and borrowing them from the library. You just saw Emerson, Lake & Palmer records.
So I didn't know [punk] music but I started to hear about it in high school. But it was probably a good thing that I didn't know it, that I instead listened to a lot of '60s records and this religious music."