Fabian (entertainer)
|
|
Fabian_on_hollywood_squares.jpg
Fabian on Hollywood Squares, 1979
Fabian (born February 6, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) was an American teen idol of the late 1950s and early 1960s. He rose to national prominence after performing several times on American Bandstand.
Born Fabiano Bonaparte, he adopted the stage name Fabian Forte but has always been known by his first name only. With songwriters Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, Fabian released a series of hit singles including "I'm a Man", "Hound Dog Man", "Turn Me Loose" (a blues song), and his biggest hit, "Tiger". His career in music basically ended with the payola scandal of the 1960s, and it was revealed that his records were doctored significantly to improve his voice.
Fabian went on to appear in more than 30 films, including Five Weeks in a Balloon, The Longest Day and Ride the Wild Surf (1964) (with Tab Hunter). He never regained his former stature but has continued performing for more than 40 years. Recently he has been appearing with Frankie Avalon and Bobby Rydell to perform concerts as The Golden Boys.
He says that he went into show business because his family needed the money and that his biggest regret is that he started too soon and hit too big.