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Frankie Avalon

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Frankie Avalon
Avalon in 1959
Born
Francis Thomas Avallone

(1940-09-18)September 18, 1940(age 84)[1]
Philadelphia,Pennsylvania,U.S.
Occupation(s)Singer, actor
Years active1952–present
Spouse
Kathryn Diebel
​
(m.1963)​
Children8
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)
Websitewww.frankieavalonEdit this at Wikidata

Francis Thomas Avallone(born September 18, 1940),[2]better known asFrankie Avalon,is an American actor, singer, and formerteen idol.[1][3]He had 31 charting U.S.Billboardsingles from 1958 to late 1962, includingnumber onehits, "Venus"and"Why"in 1959. He is the earliest surviving singer to have scored a solo number one hit on theBillboard Hot 100.

Avalon started appearing in films in the 1960s; he is well-known for having appeared in theBeach party filmsof this decade and for a supporting role in the 1978 musical filmGrease,in which he sings the song "Beauty School Dropout".[3]

Early life and education

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Avalon was born inPhiladelphia,Pennsylvania,[4]the son of Mary and Nicholas Avallone.[5]His mother was originally fromSicily.His father was a butcher who was born in Philadelphia, whose father Francesco was from Salerno, inCampania,Italy. His paternal grandmother was fromSicily.[6]

Career

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1950s

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In December 1952, Avalon made his American network television debut playing the trumpet in theHoneymooners"Christmas Party" sketch onThe Jackie Gleason Show.Two singles showcasing Avalon's trumpet playing were issued onRCA Victor's X sublabel in 1954.[7]His trumpet playing was also featured on some of his LP songs as well. As a teenager, he played withBobby Rydellin Rocco and the Saints.

In 1959, "Venus",which was a number one single for five consecutive weeks, and"Why"went tonumber oneon theBillboard Hot 100."Why" was the last number one hit of the 1950s.

Avalon had 31 charted U.S.Billboardsingles from 1958 to late 1962, including "Just Ask Your Heart"(U.S. No. 7),"I'll Wait for You"(U.S. No. 5),"Bobby Sox to Stockings"(U.S. No. 8), and"A Boy Without a Girl"(U.S. No. 10). He was less popular in theU.K.,but did still manage four chart hits with "Why", "Ginger Bread","Venus "and" Don't Throw Away All Those Teardrops ".[8]Most of hishitswerewrittenand/or produced byBob Marcucci,head ofChancellor Records.Avalon concentrated on his acting career which detracted from his recording career, and "Why" of 1959 would be Avalon's final top 10 hit.[9]

Avalon's first film was a short appearance inJamboree(1957), playing a trumpet and singing "Teacher's Pet".

In the late 1950s, teen idols were often given roles in films, supporting older male stars in order to attract a younger audience, such asRicky NelsoninRio Bravo(1959).Alan Ladd's daughter was a Frankie Avalon fan, who recommended that he co-star with her father in the WesternGuns of the Timberland(1960).[10]Avalon sings two songs, "The Faithful Kind" and "Gee Whiz Whillikins Golly Gee"; both were released as singles.

Ladd announced he would reteam Avalon and his daughter inSix Steps to Freedombut the film was never made.[11]

1960s

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Avalon performing in 1960

Rushes forTimberlandwere seen byJohn Wayne,who was looking for a young actor to play the (fictitious) role of "Smitty" in his passion project,The Alamo(1960). Avalon was cast in his second dramatic part.[12]After making the film Wayne told the press: "We're not cutting one bit of any scene in which Frankie appears. I believe he is the finest young talent I've seen in a long time."[13]"Mr Wayne said I was natural as far as acting goes," said Avalon.[14]He added: "My ambition when I was ten years old was to have my own band likeHarry James.I never expected anything like this... I'd like to be identified as a singer, dancer, and actor. I don't want to be just one thing. "[14]

"I like to appeal to teenagers and adults," he said in 1960. "Everybody".[15]

Avalon was now in demand as an actor. He provided the singing voice for the lead character in the English-language version of a Japanese musicalanime,Alakazam the Great(1960), which was done at the behest of the US distributor,American International Pictures.It was the first in what would be a long association with that company.

ForIrwin Allen,Avalon had a small role and sang the title song in the science fiction adventure film,Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea(1961), a solid commercial hit. He had a supporting role in a comedy,Sail a Crooked Ship(1961).

Avalon was teamed withRay Millandin the science fiction film,Panic in Year Zero!(1962), written byLou Rusoff.Samuel Z. ArkoffofAmerican International Pictures(AIP) said Avalon and Milland were teamed together because "they both have particular types of followers and the combination adds up to an attraction".[16]

For AIP, Avalon made a war film withTab Hunter,Operation Bikini(1963), singing a few songs in flashback. AtMGM,he played the lead in an adventure film set in Africa,Drums of Africa(1963).

Of more significance for Avalon's career was a project originally written by Rusoff,Beach Party(1963). This cheerful pop rock-and-roll musical comedy starredAnnette Funicelloand was directed byWilliam Asher.Arkoff said AIP originally wantedFabian Forteto co-star with Funicello, but when he proved unavailable, they went with Avalon; it was a big hit and led to several sequels.

Avalon received an offer to appear in a swashbuckler set in 10th century Spain aboutFernán González of Castile,The Castilian(1963). This was followed by theBeach Partysequel,Muscle Beach Party(1963), which proved to be popular. Even more so was the third in the film seriesBikini Beach(1964), where Avalon had a dual role. In August 1964, Avalon announced he had signed to make ten films in five years for AIP.[17]

Pajama Party(1964) was the unofficial fourth film in the series; it was a science fiction spoof in which Avalon ceded the leading man duties toTommy Kirk,retaining a cameo. He was back as the leading man inBeach Blanket Bingo(1965). He later recalled: "That's the picture of mine that I think people remember best, and it was just a lot of kids having a lot of fun... a picture about young romance and about the opposition of adults and old people... also fun because we got to learn how to fake skydive out of an airplane."[18]

Avalon also appeared in nearly two dozen TV episodes, includingABC'sThe Bing Crosby ShowandThe Patty Duke Show,appearing often as himself. Later, he became a national television spokesperson forSonic Drive-In.In 1965, he appeared in theCombat!TV series episode "Brother, Brother" as a childhood friend of Pfc. Kirby, played by Jack Hogan.

Avalon andTuesday WeldsupportedBob Hopein the comedy film,I'll Take Sweden(1965) forEdward Small.For AIP, he teamed withDwayne Hickmanin a copy ofSome Like It Hot(1959) calledSki Party(1965). That studio also gave him the lead in a military service comedy,Sergeant Deadhead(1965), playing another dual role. All this activity meant he was reluctant to appear in another "beach party" film, so Hickman played the lead inHow to Stuff a Wild Bikini(1965), although Avalon had a cameo.

The box office performance of these last few films was disappointing, especiallySergeant Deadhead,for which sequels had been planned.[19]More popular was AIP'sDr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine(1965), a comedy withVincent Priceand Hickman. This was liked well enough to justify a sequel, although Avalon did not appear; Fabian Forte took over the Avalon role.

In January 1966, Avalon said he no longer wanted to make beach films. "Even a seagull leaves the beach from time to time, and I'm getting a little sick of sand."[20]

AIP tried to find a new starring formula for Avalon, casting him as a stock car driver inFireball 500(1966), alongside Fabian and Funicello, for director William Asher. It was a medium financial success and led to other AIP stock car films, though none had Avalon starring in them.

ForHarry Alan Towershe played the lead role inThe Million Eyes of Sumuru(1967), and also had a solid role inSkidoo(1968), a comedy fromOtto Preminger.In England, he was in AIP'sThe Haunted House of Horror(1968).

1970s

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Avalon andAnnette Funicelloduring theBeach Partyera, c. 1965

In 1976, Avalon updated his song "Venus" with a new disco treatment. Materializing as a character called Teen Angel, his performance of "Beauty School Dropout" in the hit 1978 film of the musicalGreaseintroduced Avalon to a new generation of viewers.[3]

In early 1979, Avalon portrayed Sergei in the episode "Dewey and Harold and Sarah and Maggie" of theNBCtelevision series$weepstake$.

1980s

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The 1980 filmThe Idolmaker,written by Ed Di Lorenzo and directed byTaylor Hackford,was a thinly-disguised biography of Avalon ( "Tommy Dee" in the film) as well as 1950s teenage starFabian Forte(called "Caesare" in the film), along with songwriter/producer Bob Marcucci (called "Vinnie Vacarri" ). In the film, Dee clashes with the record producer and younger singer Caesare, who he feels threatens his career. Eventually, Dee and Caesare quit the label, but their record careers collapse just as theBritish Invasionbegins. The real Fabian threatened a lawsuit, despite the filmmakers' insistence that the film presented only fictional characters (though Marcucci was a paid consultant). Avalon denied most of the film's events.

In 1980, Avalon appeared in the filmBlood Songas Paul Foley, a serial killer. The movie was shot in October-November 1980 in North Bend/Coos Bay, Oregon. It was released in October 1982.[citation needed]

Avalon also appeared in theHappy Daysepisode "Poobah Doo Dah" playing himself where he sings his hits "Venus" and "Why".

Avalon had the idea of returning to beach party films with Funicello. He hired several screenwriters and shopped the screenplay around town, eventually managing to set up the project atParamount Pictures.Back to the Beach(1987) was a moderate success.[21]

In 1989, Avalon and Funicello appeared as themselves in cameo roles, out jogging the streets inTroop Beverly Hills.Not long afterward Funicello retired, having been diagnosed withmultiple sclerosis.

Avalon then turned to marketing and created Frankie Avalon Products, a line of health and cosmetic aids.[4]He promoted his products on theHome Shopping Network.

1990s

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Avalon made a cameo appearance as himself withRobert De Niroin the 1995 film,Casino.[3]

2000s

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Avalon in 2018

Avalon has starred in stage productions ofGreasein the role of Teen Angel and inTony n' Tina's Weddingas a caricature of himself. In 2001, he appeared as himself in theSabrina The Teenage Witchepisode 'Beach Blanket Bizarro.'

Additionally, in 2007, he performed "Beauty School Dropout" with the four remaining female contenders (Kathleen Monteleone, Allie Schulz, Ashley Spencer, and winner Laura Osnes) for the role of Sandy on theNBCtelevision reality showGrease: You're the One that I Want!.

On April 8, 2009, Avalon performed onAmerican Idol.

As part of a long-running concert tour, Avalon has toured with fellow Philadelphian early 1960s teen idolsFabianandBobby Rydellunder the banner "Dick Fox's Golden Boys".

2010s

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A cookbook with over 80 recipes from St. Martin's Press,Frankie Avalon's Italian Family Cookbook,was published in 2015.[citation needed]

2020s

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On October 18, 2021, Avalon performed onDancing with the Stars.

Personal life

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Avalon married Kathryn "Kay" Diebel on January 19, 1963.[22]She was abeauty pageantwinner he met while playing cards at a friend's house.[citation needed]

The Avalons have eight children, Frankie Jr., Tony, Dina, Laura, Joseph, Nicolas, Kathryn and Carla, and 10 grandchildren.[citation needed]Frankie Jr. is a former actor who appeared in the originalThe Karate Kid.[23]

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Avalon was mentioned in theSystem of a Downsong "Old School Hollywood".The song supposedly is aboutDaron Malakian'sexperience in a celebrity baseball game, where he and Avalon were both ignored.[24][25]

Avalon is also mentioned in "It Takes Two", a song from the hit musicalHairspray,sung by the character Link Larkin, and in a song by theWu-Tang Clancalled "The City" which refers to his experiences of being a big part of the beach party film genre ( "Ride the wave like Frankie Avalon" ).

One of numerous obscure cultural references present in Midway's video gameMortal Kombat 3was a lo-res image of Frankie Avalon's face that would dart up in the lower right-hand corner of the screen when Goro killed his opponent by knocking him into the spike pit on the Bridge level.

His song "Venus" was featured inCranium Command(1989–2005), an attraction atEpcot'sWonders of LifePavilion (now closed) atWalt Disney World.In the attraction, a 12-year-old boy named Bobby (Scott Curtis), tries to survive the pressures of life and falls in love with a beautiful girl named Annie (Natalie Gregory) at school.

Avalon and his song "Venus" are mentioned inWendy Wasserstein's 2005 playThird.The main character, English professor Laurie Jameson, watches aPBSreunion show featuring Avalon singing the song, and sings a line of it to her daughter. In stage productions of the show, part of the song is played and a portion of the supposedPBSspecial is screened as part of the scenery.

Avalon is also referenced in the 1994 film,The Stöned Age,in which he makes an ending scenecameo appearance.

His song "Venus" additionally appeared inseason 4of the TV seriesDexterin whichJohn Lithgow's character,Arthur Mitchell,plays it to remember his deceased sister. Also, "Venus" is sampled inNick Bertke's, single, "J'Adore Juin", a mashup of sounds from the movieThe Apartment. "Venus" also appeared in the 2016 film10 Cloverfield Lanestarring John Goodman.

Avalon is also mentioned inThe Vaccines' song "Teenage Icon".

Discography

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Main article:Frankie Avalon discography

Acting roles

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References

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  1. ^ab"Frankie Avalon".Frankieavalon. July 4, 2016.RetrievedApril 7,2023.
  2. ^Ouzounian, Richard (August 23, 2013)."Frankie Avalon on beach parties, the simplicity of the past, and Annette Funicello: The Big Interview".The Star.RetrievedJuly 13,2020.
  3. ^abcdHal Erickson(2015)."Frankie Avalon".Movies & TV Dept.The New York Times.Archived fromthe originalon September 27, 2015.RetrievedJuly 13,2020.
  4. ^abColin Larkin,ed. (2002).The Virgin Encyclopedia of Fifties Music(third ed.).Virgin Books.pp. 25–26.ISBN1-85227-937-0.
  5. ^"Golden boy Frankie Avalon returns home | News".Southphillyreview. May 31, 2012. Archived fromthe originalon June 4, 2012.RetrievedMay 29,2015.
  6. ^"Westlake Village resident Frankie Avalon shares his family recipes".
  7. ^"X Records singles discography".Global Dog Productions.RetrievedSeptember 17,2013.
  8. ^Roberts, David (2006).British Hit Singles & Albums(19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 34.ISBN1-904994-10-5.
  9. ^Bronson, Fred (1997).The Billboard Book of Number One Hits.Billboard Books. p. 62.ISBN9780823076413.
  10. ^King, Susan (January 7, 2003)."The reluctant Angel".Los Angeles Times.
  11. ^Hopper, H. (March 17, 1960). "Alan Ladd opts 'steps to freedom'".Los Angeles Times.ProQuest167669299.
  12. ^"On the Set of The Alamo".Texas Archive of the Moving Image. Archived fromthe originalon July 17, 2019.RetrievedAugust 4,2011.
  13. ^Scheuer, Philip K. (April 6, 1960). "As Actor, Avalon Tops With Wayne: Frankie Signed for Repeats; 'West Side' Demands Unique".Los Angeles Times.p. C9.
  14. ^abAlpert, Don (May 15, 1960). "A Fledglings Goal: Frankie Avalon Aims High Frankie Avalon Grabs for Handful of Stars".Los Angeles Times.p. H11.
  15. ^Crosby, John (June 19, 1960). "Now That Avalon's 20, He's Like a Little Adult".The Washington Post.p. G14.
  16. ^Alpert, Don (July 15, 1962). "Who Needs High Salaried Stars? Horrors! Film Makers Find Audiences Prefer Action".Los Angeles Times.p. A8.
  17. ^Hopper, Hedda (August 20, 1964). "Crosby, Hope Give Youngsters a Break: Bing Features Two Teeners; Avalon Signs for 10 Films".Los Angeles Times.p. 26.
  18. ^"Talking Head: Frankie Avalon".The Wall Street Journal,Eastern edition; New York.July 16, 1999. p. W2.
  19. ^"Film Company Seeks a New Locale for Its Teen-Age Movies".The New York Times.November 6, 1965. p. 18.
  20. ^Scott, John L. (January 16, 1966). "Hollywood Calendar: Her Art Belongs To Daddy".Los Angeles Times.p. m11.
  21. ^Klady, Leonard (July 5, 1987)."Write The Wild Surf".Los Angeles Times.p. K21.RetrievedDecember 18,2014.
  22. ^"Chic Vintage Bride – Kay Deibel".Chic Vintage Bride. Archived fromthe originalon August 11, 2014.
  23. ^"Frank Burt Avalon".TVGuide.RetrievedJune 11,2022.
  24. ^Trucks, Rob (August 4, 2005)."New School Hollywood".Phoenix New Times.RetrievedOctober 22,2019.
  25. ^"6 Things You Didn't Know About System of a Down's 'Mezmerize' and 'Hypnotize'".Revolver.May 17, 2018.RetrievedOctober 22,2019.
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