Jack Franzen has been leading country western/country rock bands in Brainerd, Minnesota and the surrounding areas since the mid-1950’s.  Jack has led the Muddy Water Band and been lead guitarist and vocalist for decades. There were many bands before the Muddy Water Band, and you can see a few of them here https://jackfranzenmn.com/photos. 

He has also been a prolific song-writer with many songs and cd’s to his credit.  You may listen to a few of them right here https://jackfranzenmn.com/jack-s-original-music. 

Most musicians in central Minnesota have heard of him; many have performed with him and the rest of us have danced to his music for decades.  He has several gigs coming up with Kevin Wright and you can see their schedule here https://jackfranzenmn.com/calendar.

Jack has passed the musical torch to three of his sons who also play in the Brainerd Lakes Area:  Chris Dobson with Kings Ransom, Jason Franzen with October Son, and John Franzen formerly with Silent Partner.  Jack can still be found most days working side by side with sons John and Jason doing stucco and drywall taping on homes from Brainerd to Crosslake to Nisswa.  When he is not playing at 50 Lakes, Jack Pine Brewery, the Pequot Lakes Legion, the Pine River Legion, the Damsite Watering Hole in Pine River, or a wedding or anniversary party somewhere, he can be spotted driving one of his self-restored collector hotrods with Bonnie, his amazing wife of over 50 years.  They will likely be headed to visit one of their 5 children, 11 grandchildren or 21 great-grandchildren.