I Can Help

The song "I Can Help" by Frank Hannon, featured on his album From One Place to Another, Vol. 2, is a vibrant cover of Billy Swan’s 1974 hit, reimagined with Hannon’s signature blues-rock flair. In a 2018 interview with The Hype Magazine, Hannon shared that the track was a spontaneous choice for the album, sparked by his love for classic rock covers that resonate with his guitar-driven style. He recorded it with a raw, live energy, aiming to capture the song’s uplifting spirit while adding his own soulful guitar riffs. Hannon mentioned on his Facebook page that the song’s positive message—“If you’ve got a problem, I can help”—felt like a perfect fit for connecting with fans during live performances, often sparking sing-alongs at shows.

Another tidbit about "I Can Help" comes from Hannon’s Instagram, where he posted a behind-the-scenes video of the recording session. He revealed that the track features guest vocalist Paul Jackson from Blackberry Smoke, whose gritty voice added a Southern rock edge. Hannon noted in the caption that the collaboration happened organically after meeting Jackson on the Moody Blues Cruise, a setting that inspired much of the album’s creative direction. Fans on the Tesla Fans Facebook group have praised the cover for its nostalgic yet fresh vibe, with some sharing stories of hearing it live during Hannon’s solo tours, where he often dedicates it to the audience as a nod to their support.

Frank Hannon began his musical journey in Sacramento, California, where he was born on October 3, 1966. According to his bio on Tesla’s official site, Hannon started playing guitar at age 10 after a dirt bike accident left him bedridden with a broken leg. During recovery, he immersed himself in music, practicing guitar and listening to records by folk icons like Bob Dylan and John Denver, as noted on Famous Birthdays. His mother taught him piano, and his grandfather’s piano became a creative outlet, shaping his early songwriting. By age 12, Hannon was fronting a trio, singing and playing guitar, inspired by guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Joe Walsh, as he shared in a Hype Magazine interview.

Hannon’s big break came when he co-founded Tesla in 1981, a band that would later achieve multi-platinum success with hits like “Signs” and “Love Song.” His early gigs, including Jimi Hendrix tributes, honed his stage presence and versatility, which he later channeled into his solo career. His first solo album, Guitarz from Marz, released in 2005, marked his shift toward exploring personal projects outside Tesla’s hard rock sound. Hannon’s X account often reflects his passion for connecting with fans, sharing updates about both Tesla and solo endeavors, including his podcast, The Far Out Podcast, available on his YouTube channel.

For fans looking to dive deeper, Frank Hannon’s official website offers tour dates, music, and merchandise, while his Facebook and Instagram accounts provide regular updates and personal insights. The Tesla Fans Facebook group is a lively community where Zoo Freaks can connect with other Hannon and Tesla enthusiasts, sharing concert photos and discussing tracks like "I Can Help." Additionally, fan-run sites like Wikitubia offer detailed bios and updates on Hannon’s career, making it easy to stay in the loop with this legendary guitarist’s journey.