Who is Frankie Avalon? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Francis Thomas Avallone

Age: 84 Years, 84 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Kathryn Diebel

father: Nicholas Avallone

mother: Mary Avallone

children: Dina, Frankie Jr., Joseph, Kathryn and Carla, Laura, Nicolas, Tony

Pop Singers American Men

Height: 5'7" (170 cm), 5'7" Males

U.S. State: Pennsylvania

Ancestry: Italian American

City: Philadelphia

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1

Is Frankie Avalon still alive?

Yes, Frankie Avalon is still alive.
2

What is Frankie Avalon famous for?

Frankie Avalon is famous for being an actor and singer, known for his roles in 1960s beach party films and hit songs like "Venus."
3

Did Frankie Avalon write his own songs?

While Frankie Avalon did not write his own songs, he achieved success with popular hits like "Venus" and "Bobby Sox to Stockings."
4

Where was Frankie Avalon born?

Frankie Avalon was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
5

What movies did Frankie Avalon star in?

Frankie Avalon starred in a series of popular beach party films in the 1960s alongside Annette Funicello, such as "Beach Party" and "Muscle Beach Party."

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Childhood & Early Life

He was born as Francis Thomas Avallone to Nicholas and Mary Avallone in Philadelphia. He has one elder sister.

He loved music from a young age and his father recognized his talent and taught him to play the trumpet. Young Frankie was so taken in by the instrument that he used spend up to five hours daily practicing the instument.

He soon began taking classes from professionals; one of his instructors was a member of the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra who impressed by the boy’s performance, decided to train Frankie. He participated in and won local contests and began to gain fame as a child prodigy.

Once he went to a party organized by a local singer, Al Martino, where he played his trumpet. Everyone stopped whatever they were doing and were mesmerized by his performance. A talent scout present there helped him to appear on the ‘The Jackie Gleason Show’.

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Career

His career took off post his television appearance in ‘The Jack Gleason Show’ as it gained him more visibility. He got many offers to appear on other television shows.

He signed a contract with a small label called X-Vik Records in 1954. His initial recordings were instrumentals called ‘Trumpet Sorrento’ and ‘Trumpet Tarantaella’.

He began playing with a local band called ‘Rocco and the Saints’ as a twelve year old. The band also had Bobby Rydell and played shows at the parish bazaar, school gyms, vacation resorts, etc.

He released the singles ‘Cupid’ and ‘Teacher’s Pet’ in 1957. Even though they were not very big hits, the songs helped him grab a role in the movie, ‘Jamboree’ the same year.

His managers wrote a song, ‘De De Dinah’ for him. However, he did not like it and sang it in a very nasal voice to show his displeasure. But as luck would have it, the song became very popular and was his first ever top ten songs.

In 1959, he recorded a song, ‘Venus’ which had been written by Ed Marshall. This song had a new feel to it with orchestral music, bells and chimes. The single topped the charts in the U.S. making it his first No.1 hit.

His popularity as a singer resulted in several movie offers. In 1963 he was paired opposite Annette Funicello in the fun teenage movie, ‘Beach Party’ which started the trend of the beach party film genre.

The success of ‘Beach Party’ led to the frequent pairing of Frankie and Annette and the couple appeared together in ‘Beach Blanket Bingo’ released in 1965.

Along with romantic movies he also acted in other genres such as action and horror. In 1969, he was part of the supporting cast of the slasher movie, ‘The Haunted House of Horror’ directed by Michael Armstrong.

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In 1978, he was part of the cast of the romantic comedy, ‘Grease’ based on the story of two high school lovers. The film had John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in starring roles.

Frankie also had an active career in television, but over the years he also developed an interest in marketing. Thus he founded the company Frankie Avalon Products, which sells natural health care products. Even though in his seventies, he continues to tour and perform before live audiences.

Major Works

He is best remembered as a teen idol who gave the world singles like ‘Venus’ and ‘Why’. Highly popular with the young audience, ‘Venus’ was the song that paved the way to his stardom and catapulted him to the status of a star.

Awards & Achievements

In 1959, he was named as the Disk Jockey’s Association Selection as “King of Song”. The same year he won the Photoplay Magazines Gold Award as “Most Popular Vocalist”.

He was inducted into “The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” in 1995 in recognition of the influence he has had on the next generation rock stars.

Personal Life & Legacy

He met Kathryn Diebel, a beauty queen, at a friend’s house. It was love at first sight for Frankie and he decided that she was the girl he would marry. The couple got married in 1963 and was blessed with eight children. Today they have been happily married for over 50 years.

Facts About Frankie Avalon

Frankie Avalon appeared in over a dozen beach party films in the 1960s, becoming a beloved teen idol known for his clean-cut image and catchy songs.

He was not only a talented singer and actor, but also a skilled trumpet player who often showcased his musical abilities in his performances.

Avalon had a successful career on the music charts, with hits like "Venus" and "Why."

In addition to his entertainment career, Avalon also worked as a successful businessman, investing in real estate and other ventures.

Despite his fame, Avalon has maintained a positive and humble attitude, earning respect from fans and colleagues alike for his professionalism and kindness.

Frankie Avalon Biography

You wanted to know

Is Frankie Avalon still alive?

What is Frankie Avalon famous for?

Did Frankie Avalon write his own songs?

Where was Frankie Avalon born?

What movies did Frankie Avalon star in?