Frank Farian, Music Producer Who Created Milli Vanilli and Boney M, Dies at 82
variety.comA.D. Amorosi Frank Farian, the influential electronic music producer, composer and founder of the German/Caribbean disco funk ensemble Boney M, and the man behind the creation of the notorious pop duo Milli Vanilli.
died Tuesday at 82. The news was confirmed by his agency, Allendorf Media.Boney M, which essentially consisted of Farian and a handful of session musicians, was a sensation of the Eurodisco scene of the 1970s and 80s, starting with 1974’s dance single, “Baby Do You Wanna Bump,” and continuing through eight gold and platinum-selling albums.
Yet, for all of Boney M’s fame, Farian never appeared on the covers of any of its albums. In 1988, Farian signed then-Munich-based dancers and singers Rob Pilatus and Fabrice Morvan to a production contract and named the R&B vocal duo Milli Vanilli.
Unimpressed by the pair’s vocal prowess, but in awe of their good looks, Farian produced a breakout album for the duo, co-writing songs such as “Girl I’m Gonna Miss You,” “All or Nothing” and “Baby Don’t Forget My Number,” which along with the smash “Girl You Know It’s True” were recorded by vocalists including John Davis, Charles Shaw, Brad Howell and twin singing sisters Jodie and Linda Rocco.
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