She was born as Susan Gottlieb in Los Angeles, California. Before her career as the self-styled "Jewish-American lesbian folk-singer" Phranc had served an apprenticeship, of sorts, by appearing in LA hardcore groups (Catholic Discipline and Castration Squad).

On her return to acoustic playing in 1980, Phranc's sets consisted of autobiographical, part-comic songs, at times performed to similar hardcore audiences from her recent past. These appearances led to the gay coffee-house/folk circuit. Her warmly received Folksinger set a standard with titles such as Female Mudwrestling, Amazons and One O'The Girls.

Her willingness to tackle such subjects as her sexuality, left-wing politics and her own family problems have so far prevented her from achieving anything beyond cult status. Phranc's third album was highlighted by her role as support act on Morrissey's first full British tour of 1991.