Episode 151: Interview with Singer Songwriter and Author Fran Pitre

Fran Pitre’s life reads like a novel, but she’s already written the memoir. The Jacksonville, Florida-based singer-songwriter, author, and speaker is best known for a nearly unbelievable truth—she’s the mother of three sets of twins. Her latest edition of TWINS x3, now available in an updated 2024 audiobook version, shares the journey of infertility, high-risk pregnancies, parenting six children, and rediscovering herself through music.

Fran’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Before her world became a whirlwind of diapers, feedings, and sleepless nights, she worked professionally in graphic design and sang lead vocals in a rock band by night. “Music and getting into the creative aspect of anything—it’s not really what we like doing, it’s part of what we are,” she says. “You can only suppress it for so long before it comes back out.”

After putting music on hold to raise her family, Fran reignited her artistic flame once her youngest twins turned ten. That return sparked the formation of her band, Fran Pitre & Class Act, and launched a new chapter in her music career. Since 2017, she’s released three multi-genre albums, with her latest record, Nothing to Fear (2024), showcasing a rich blend of pop, jazz, blues, rock, and country influences. “A lot of my music really doesn’t fit into any one genre. That’s why I kind of fall under pop as a large umbrella,” she explains. “But most of it is emotional, a reflection of experiences that I’ve been through—that we all go through.”

Her songwriting thrives on storytelling, something she also brings to her speaking engagements. Fran often speaks to women about navigating the unpredictability of life, motherhood, ambition, and faith. She shares her journey with unflinching honesty—highlighting the struggles of infertility, the chaos and comedy of raising three sets of twins, and the importance of never giving up on personal dreams.

Her memoir TWINS x3 was originally published in 2009, chronicling her life as a mother of six and the extraordinary path that led there. The book’s updated anniversary edition and audiobook bring a renewed voice to her reflections, adding even more depth and perspective. “My goal is to share the story and the songs, both of which have some weight and depth,” Fran says. “But most important is the levity and the humor in it. Let’s savor each moment of our whirlwind lives.”

Fran’s personal life defies the odds—statistically, only about two in a million women give birth to three sets of twins. Hers are all fraternal, arriving in the most poetic combinations: girl/girl, boy/girl, and boy/boy. “There was a brunette and a blonde in each set. That’s just the way it worked out,” she laughs. “There was also a very challenging one and a less challenging one in every pair.”

When asked how she balanced the chaos, Fran credits her husband, Bruce. “He did everything. He would have breastfed if he could have,” she says affectionately. “We never had family nearby, but with his support and help from friends, we made it through each stage.”

Today, between performances, recording sessions, and interviews, Fran continues to speak about her experience with humor and heart. Her music, much like her book, encourages others to find strength in their own stories. “Laugh at yourself sometimes, admit when you’re wrong, and make certain to affirm and lift those around you, because it’s contagious. That’s the magic.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwWM3JzMQJg

🎧 To hear the full conversation with Fran Pitre tune in to his episode on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience, streaming now.