Frank Farian, a German vocalist, lyricist, and creator known for creating popular eurodisco groups like Boney M and Milli Vanilli, as well as other successful musical acts, has passed away at the age of 82, according to his agency’s statement.
Born Franz Reuther in Kirn, western Germany, he started his career as a solo musician, and enjoyed a hit with a schlager version of the country song Rocky in 1976. Around the same time, he came up with the idea for Boney M, a disco group of four West Indian singers and dancers that he masterminded.
The group achieved global success with hit singles including Daddy Cool (1976), Ma Baker (1977), Rasputin (1978), and Rivers of Babylon (1978). Farian provided the low-pitched vocals in the recording studio, while Bobby Farrell served as the public face of the group and performed the songs live.
Farian went on to create the pop group Milli Vanilli, who faced controversy when it was revealed that singers Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus had only lip-synced their popular songs. Similar to Boney M, Farian had recorded the initial songs for the group before the members had even met in person.
Morvan expressed sympathy to the family in a statement released by his management to the Guardian. He also acknowledged that the late musician’s music will continue to have an impact and bring happiness to the world.
Farian, also known as “Mr. German Hit,” stated that he declined Michael Jackson’s offer to produce songs for his 1991 album, Dangerous. He wanted to focus on Boney M, but eventually collaborated with other artists such as Stevie Wonder, Meat Loaf, and Terence Trent D’Arby.
Throughout the 1990s, he continued to create music groups and achieved another success with the euro dance duo La Bouche’s song “Be My Lover” in 1995.
After studying to become a chef, he chose to pursue a career in the music industry. In an interview with Der Spiegel, he compared his approach to creating popular songs to cooking. He emphasized the importance of having the right ingredients, such as a talented performer and a catchy melody with a memorable chorus.
Farian has sold more than 800 million records worldwide and is recognized as the most successful pop producer from Germany. However, his accomplishments have received more recognition internationally than in his home country.
During the peak of Boney M’s fame in 1978, the Soviet Union’s politburo granted special permission for Farian’s band to perform a concert in Moscow. The musicians and their producer were transported via military planes for a series of 10 concerts throughout the Soviet Union. However, they were restricted from playing their newest hit, Rasputin.
Authored by Farian along with George Reyam and Fred Jay, the song provides a brief history lesson on Nicholas II, the final emperor, and his mystical healer and advisor. It also touches on rumors during that time that he had a romantic relationship with the Russian queen and was known as “Russia’s greatest love machine”.
Liz Mitchell, the Jamaican-born British singer who was a member of the original Boney M lineup, expressed gratitude for the widespread appreciation of their work over the years.
“We came together and found common ground, guided by a star that surpassed our wildest expectations. I commend the effort we put in. May Frank rest in peace.”
Farian, who received a heart valve transplant in 2022, died peacefully at his home in Miami, his agency Allendorf Media announced on Tuesday.
Source: theguardian.com
