In 1985, three former teen idols—all from the same Philadelphia neighborhood—teamed for a concert titled The Golden Boys, which not only satisfied fans from their teen era by performing their hits, but illustrated that good singing and stage presence never go out of style. Frankie Avalon, Fabian & Bobby Rydell, “The Golden Boys” from American Bandstand’s heyday, have appeared together on such major TV specials as “The American Music Awards,” the closing ceremonies of the “Miss Liberty Special” (viewed by over 200 million people) and the ABC Inaugural special “Command Performance: An All-Star Salute To The President.”
Avalon, Fabian and Rydell make their return PlayhouseSquare appearance Saturday, February 18th for one 7:30 pm concert in the Palace Theatre. (Their last PlayhouseSquare concert was a sellout!)
Frankie Avalon…
One of America’s most popular entertainers, Frankie Avalon went from ‘50s teen idol to become a national and international star. Born in Philadelphia, Frankie’s early trumpet-playing career ended abruptly when a family friend, Bob Marcucci, heard him sing, and signed him to a recording contract.
Frankie’s first song, “De De Dinah,” became a smash hit, and his recording of “Venus” became one of the biggest selling hits of the era. His many follow-up hits included: “Bobbysocks to Stockings,” “Gingerbread,” “Just Ask Your Heart” and “A Boy Without A Girl,” He is also credited with having the last #1 record of the ‘50s with “Why” reaching that status in December 1959.
In addition to his popularity as a top recording artist, Frankie became a movie star, appearing in over 30 films, and starring with such luminaries as Alan Ladd (Guns of Timberland) and John Wayne (The Alamo). Other film credits included “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea,” and the hit musical “Grease,” but his biggest popularity came via the classic “Beach” movies with co-star Annette Funicello and included Beach Party, Muscle Beach Party, Beach Blanket Bingo and Bikini Beach among others. In 1987, Frankie reunited with Annette in the hit movie Back to the Beach.
A highly popular act on the concert circuit worldwide, he has appeared in every major country, and his appearance at the International Festival of Stars in Romania marked only the second time a U.S. entertainer (the first being Louis Armstrong) has performed in that former Iron Curtain country since WWII.
Frankie also appears regularly on the Home Shopping Network on behalf of his Avalon Products company. Apart from his busy work schedule, Frankie is an avid golfer and lives in Los Angeles with his wife Kay (who he married in 1963). The Avalons have eight children.
FABIAN….
An overnight singing sensation, a movie star with over 30 films to his credit and the producer of his own concert series, former teen idol, Fabian, continues to expand his still-growing career.
“Fabian’s Goodtime Rock ‘n’ Roll Show,” (a concert series which he hosted and produced featuring the legendary rock acts of the ‘50s and ‘60s) was the first concert produced for pay-for-view television (1985 in Baton Rouge, LA before 85,000 fans). The show ultimately aired as a syndicated television special as well as a PBS pledge week special.
Fabian Forte was discovered at age 14 sitting on the front steps of his Philadelphia home. Capitalizing on his good looks and ability to excite an audience, Fabian reached dizzying heights of success. At 15 he won the Silver Award as “The Most Promising Male Vocalist “of 1958. By the time he turned 18, he had recorded dozens of hit singles, eight albums and earned gold records for “Turn Me Loose” and “Tiger” plus a gold album for “The Fabulous Fabian.”
In 1959, Fabian made his screen debut in Hound Dog Man opposite teen model-turned-actress Carol Lynley, which sparked his interest in acting. His role as a homicidal maniac in the Robert Altman-directed TV production “A Lion Walks Among Us,” solidly established his credentials as a versatile and powerful actor.
