Frank Farian.Photo:Peter Bischoff/Getty
Peter Bischoff/Getty
Frank Farian, the founder of Boney M. and Milli Vanilli, has died. He was 82.
The German singer, songwriter and producer’s family released a statement on Tuesday which was shared with PEOPLE confirming that he had died “peacefully” at his home in Miami, Florida.
Born Franz Reuther in Kirn, western Germany in 1941, Farian began his career in the music industry as a solo artist while also training to be a chef. PerThe Guardian, Farian released a Schlager version of the country song “Rocky” in 1976, before going on to found Boney M. that same year.
Frank Farian with Marcia Barrett from Boney M.Peter Bischoff/Getty
Farian also founded R&B pop duo Milli Vanilli in the 1980s, best known for their songs “Blame It On The Rain” and “Girl You Know It’s True,” perthe BBC.
The late star, who also worked with the likes ofStevie WonderandMeat Loaf, is reported to have sold 800 million records worldwide, according to the BBC.
In 2022, Farian revealed to German newspaperBildthat he had undergone heart valve replacement surgery and a “pig heart valve” had been inserted into his chest because his own valve had shrunk with age. He told the publication that the surgery saved his life.
Frank Farian with Milli Vanilli.Fryderyk Gabowicz/picture alliance via Getty
Fryderyk Gabowicz/picture alliance via Getty
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
He also toldBildin Nov. 2023, “My heart valve works wonderfully. Mick Jagger also received exactly the same heart valve. I have a good pig in me! And I’m very grateful for that.”
However, per U.K. newspaperThe Evening Standard, Farian’s condition had deteriorated following the procedure — he had lost a lot of weight and was left needing to use a wheelchair.
Meanwhile, Farian’s former partner Ingrid “Milli” Segieth, 69, toldBildthat she had visited Farian in Miami over the New Year.
“Frank was physically very weak, but was still full of energy,” she said. “He was still sitting in the recording studio all day, working on new music.”
source: people.com
