BONEY Ma founder Frank Farian has died at the age of 82, his family announced.
The German singer and music producer, known for the hits Rasputin and Daddy Cool, passed away peacefully in his apartment in Miami, Florida.
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Former Boney M singers Liz Mitchell (left) and Marcia Barret (right) kiss producer Frank Farian (center) at the premiere of the musical ‘Daddy Cool’ in 2007. Credit: EPA
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Farian died at the age of 82 in his apartment in Miami, Florida Credit: Getty
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Legendary disco and pop singers Boney M Bobby Farrell, Marcia Barrett, Maizie Williams and Liz Mitchell, here performing in 1981 Credit: Getty
Farian has worked with a number of superstars during his decades-long career, including Stevie Wonder and Meat Loaf.
The producer, who also founded legendary ’80s R&B band Milli Vanilli, has sold more than 800 million records.
Original Boney Ma singer Liz Mitchell has paid loving tribute to the late musician.
She said today from her home in Oxfordshire: “Our work has been truly blessed and enjoyed by people all over the world who have been privileged to hear it over the years.
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“Testimonies come from the hearts of those who heard it and I am very grateful to the God of music who made it possible for us to gather, create and present Boney Ma’s music to the world.
“We shared and united under a star that rose above and beyond what we dared to expect.
“Well done on a job well done. Rest in peace Frank.”
Farian’s health was seriously compromised for a while as he underwent heart surgery and had a pig heart valve inserted in 2022.
In his last interview with German newspaper Bild in November, the musician explained how the operation saved his life.
“My heart valve works great.
“And Mick Jagger got the exact same heart valve. I have a good pig in me! And I’m very grateful for that,” Farian said.
However, Farian’s condition worsened after the procedure, Bild reported.
He lost a lot of weight and eventually had to use a wheelchair and a breathing machine due to lung problems.
He also had difficulty speaking.
Frank Farian’s best friend and ex-partner, Ingrid “Milli” Segieth (69) visited him in Miami over the New Year.
When they went to Germany a few days ago, he was still fine despite his condition.
“Frank was physically very weak, but he was still full of energy,” Segieth told Bild.
“He was still sitting in the recording studio all day, working on new music.”
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Frank pictured center with legendary 80’s R&B band Milli VanilliCredit: Getty
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The German musician sold more than 800 million records during his careerCredit: Reuters
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