Frank Farian: A Trailblazing Producer and the Mastermind Behind Boney M and Milli Vanilli
On Tuesday, the music industry lost a true pioneer with the passing of Frank Farian at the age of 82. Farian, known for his influential work as an electronic music producer, composer, and founder of the German/Caribbean disco funk ensemble Boney M, has left an indelible mark on the music world. His talents also extended to the creation of the notorious pop duo Milli Vanilli.
Boney M rose to prominence in the Eurodisco scene of the 1970s and 80s. The group, primarily consisting of Farian and a few session musicians, achieved great success with their catchy dance singles and went on to release eight gold and platinum-selling albums. However, it is worth noting that Farian never appeared on the covers of any of Boney M's albums, choosing instead to let the music speak for itself.
In 1988, Farian signed dancers and singers Rob Pilatus and Fabrice Morvan to a production contract, naming them Milli Vanilli. Although Farian was not impressed with the duo's vocal abilities, their good looks prompted him to produce a breakout album for them. He co-wrote hit songs such as 'Girl I'm Gonna Miss You,' 'All or Nothing,' and 'Baby Don't Forget My Number,' which were recorded by a variety of vocalists including John Davis, Charles Shaw, Brad Howell, and twin sisters Jodie and Linda Rocco.
Milli Vanilli's debut album, initially titled 'All or Nothing' in Europe and later renamed 'Girl You Know It's True' for its North American release on the Arista label, went on to achieve 6-times platinum status in the United States alone. The duo even won the prestigious Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1990. However, their success was short-lived due to lip-synching scandals and their insistence on singing on a follow-up album. Farian ultimately revealed that the duo had not sung on the Milli Vanilli tracks and that other vocalists were responsible for the music. This revelation led to their Grammy being revoked and a class action lawsuit involving U.S. consumer fraud against both Milli Vanilli and Arista Records.
Throughout the controversy surrounding Milli Vanilli, Farian remained a mix of apologetic and defensive. He believed that Americans placed too much emphasis on authenticity in pop music, contrary to the rest of the world. Farian argued that using tapes and lip-synching had been a common practice in the industry for decades, highlighting stars like Madonna and Janet Jackson as examples. Regardless of the scandal, Farian took some pride in finally gaining recognition in America, even if it came through controversial means.
Born Franz Reuther on July 18, 1941, in Kirn, Germany, Farian initially pursued a career as a trained chef before venturing into music. He started a band called Frankie Boys Schatten and released a single in 1964 titled 'Shouting Ghost' before adopting the moniker Frank Farian. In 1975, he created the pseudonym Boney M, drawing inspiration from a character in an Australian detective series. Boney M, featuring a group of West Indian singers and dancers, became a popular act, with hits like 'Daddy Cool' and 'Rasputin.' Though Farian sang on most of the band's studio recordings, it was the front performers who captured the attention of the audience.
Beyond Boney M and Milli Vanilli, Farian formed several other faceless bands, including Far Corporation, La Bouche, and Le Click. He even produced Meat Loaf's 1986 album 'Blind Before I Stop,' turning down an opportunity to work with Michael Jackson on his 1991 album, 'Dangerous.' Farian's diverse musical ventures showcased his versatility and talent as a producer.
Frank Farian's legacy extends beyond the controversies that surround his career. Fans will remember him for his contributions to the Eurodisco scene and the immense success he brought to Boney M and Milli Vanilli. Even though his approach to music may have been unconventional, he played a significant role in shaping the industry. Farian's family, along with the music world, mourns his loss and will forever cherish the joy and happiness his music brought to countless lives. The impact of his work will continue to inspire future generations.
