Boney M founder Frank Farian has died aged 82

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By stefan armitage

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Frank Farian, the legendary German music producer celebrated for his iconic work with Boney M in the 1970s, has sadly passed away at the age of 82.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the sad news was confirmed by his representatives.

Farian left an indelible mark on the music industry, best known for steering Boney M to superstardom with chart-toppers like 'Daddy Cool', 'Rasputin', and 'Brown Girl in the Ring'. His innovative approach to music production helped shape the disco era and left an enduring impact on pop culture.

Born in Kirn, a quaint town in rural southwestern Germany, Farian achieved worldwide recognition for his exceptional talents. He resided in Miami at the time of his passing, where he left behind a legacy that spans decades.

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Frank Farian with Milli Vanilli. Credit: Peter Bischoff / Stringer / Getty

One of the most remarkable moments in Farian's career was his association with the notorious Milli Vanilli, a boyband embroiled in one of the music industry's most significant scandals. The Grammy-award-winning duo faced backlash when it was revealed they had been lip-synching to their tracks.

In 2022, Farian candidly discussed a pivotal moment in his life during an interview with Bild. He revealed that he had undergone heart surgery, having a "big heart valve" implanted in his chest due to age-related issues. He remarked: "Today, I enjoy a good meal and am just happy that I'm still alive."

However, Farian's condition began to deteriorate following the surgery. He experienced substantial weight loss and ultimately relied on a wheelchair and breathing equipment due to lung complications.

Throughout his illustrious career, Farian collaborated with iconic musicians like Meat Loaf and Stevie Wonder, cementing his place in music history.

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Frank Farian has died at the age of 82. Credit: United Archives / Getty

Farian's path to success was not without its challenges. He once expressed his astonishment at his own achievements, stating: "The success was a huge surprise. I had always thought I wouldn't make it. It didn't look like it at first."

In 2008, Farian separated from his common-law wife and the mother of his children, former swimsuit model Chinya Onyewenjo.

In a 2012 interview, the music producer, then 70 years old, revealed that he was dating Onyewenjo's best friend, Angie, who was 28 at the time. Farian humorously noted: "She was too old and bitchy for me! Now she's with her ugly lawyer, who looks like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. And I have my new princess. After this wife swap, all I can say is: Sometimes the world is just like that fair."

Angie, also known as Princess Guyana, aspired to a singing career in her own right.

Farian's passing marks the end of an era in the music industry, leaving behind a rich tapestry of musical achievements that continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

Our thoughts are with Farian's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: Florian Seefried / Stringer / Getty

Boney M founder Frank Farian has died aged 82

vt-author-image

By stefan armitage

Article saved!Article saved!

Frank Farian, the legendary German music producer celebrated for his iconic work with Boney M in the 1970s, has sadly passed away at the age of 82.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the sad news was confirmed by his representatives.

Farian left an indelible mark on the music industry, best known for steering Boney M to superstardom with chart-toppers like 'Daddy Cool', 'Rasputin', and 'Brown Girl in the Ring'. His innovative approach to music production helped shape the disco era and left an enduring impact on pop culture.

Born in Kirn, a quaint town in rural southwestern Germany, Farian achieved worldwide recognition for his exceptional talents. He resided in Miami at the time of his passing, where he left behind a legacy that spans decades.

size-full wp-image-1263245734
Frank Farian with Milli Vanilli. Credit: Peter Bischoff / Stringer / Getty

One of the most remarkable moments in Farian's career was his association with the notorious Milli Vanilli, a boyband embroiled in one of the music industry's most significant scandals. The Grammy-award-winning duo faced backlash when it was revealed they had been lip-synching to their tracks.

In 2022, Farian candidly discussed a pivotal moment in his life during an interview with Bild. He revealed that he had undergone heart surgery, having a "big heart valve" implanted in his chest due to age-related issues. He remarked: "Today, I enjoy a good meal and am just happy that I'm still alive."

However, Farian's condition began to deteriorate following the surgery. He experienced substantial weight loss and ultimately relied on a wheelchair and breathing equipment due to lung complications.

Throughout his illustrious career, Farian collaborated with iconic musicians like Meat Loaf and Stevie Wonder, cementing his place in music history.

size-full wp-image-1263245735
Frank Farian has died at the age of 82. Credit: United Archives / Getty

Farian's path to success was not without its challenges. He once expressed his astonishment at his own achievements, stating: "The success was a huge surprise. I had always thought I wouldn't make it. It didn't look like it at first."

In 2008, Farian separated from his common-law wife and the mother of his children, former swimsuit model Chinya Onyewenjo.

In a 2012 interview, the music producer, then 70 years old, revealed that he was dating Onyewenjo's best friend, Angie, who was 28 at the time. Farian humorously noted: "She was too old and bitchy for me! Now she's with her ugly lawyer, who looks like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. And I have my new princess. After this wife swap, all I can say is: Sometimes the world is just like that fair."

Angie, also known as Princess Guyana, aspired to a singing career in her own right.

Farian's passing marks the end of an era in the music industry, leaving behind a rich tapestry of musical achievements that continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

Our thoughts are with Farian's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: Florian Seefried / Stringer / Getty