Frankie Lymon Biography

Fast Facts

• In 2000, he was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame as a member of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers
• Was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers in 1993
• Worked as a grocery boy when he was 10 years old to help his family make ends meet
• Befriended the lead singer of a local doo-wop group that performed at a school talent show and joined the group, which originally went by The Ermines and The Premiers before changing its name to The Teenagers
• One of the most popular teenage rock 'n' roll singers in the mid-1950s, he sang lead vocals for the Teenagers
• His hit songs included "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" and "Goody-Goody․"
• Joined the Army in 1966 after his voice dropped from a soprano to a baritone
• Before he even turned 13, he became a millionaire
• His band's biggest single "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" was based on a love letter donated to the group by a neighbor for inspiration
• Surprised his fans when he stated that his favorite style of music was jazz, as opposed to rock 'n' roll