Stuff You Should Know The Saga of Milli Vanilli
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May 30, 2023 Dive into the rollercoaster journey of Milli Vanilli, the pop duo that soared to stardom only to crash in scandal. Their daring lip-syncing deception reveals darker sides of fame and the music industry. Explore the complexities of authenticity, the pressures of success, and the industry's role in crafting their story. As the narrative unfolds, it highlights the lessons learned about performance and reputation. With a mix of nostalgia and humor, this tale is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
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Boney M Precedent
- Frank Farian, Milli Vanilli's producer, had a history of using models as frontmen for his musical acts.
- His earlier group, Boney M, featured Caribbean models lip-syncing to Farian's vocals, setting the stage for Milli Vanilli.
Stolen Song
- Frank Farian's "Girl You Know It's True" was originally written and performed by the Baltimore hip-hop group Numarks.
- Farian stole the song, remade it faithfully, and launched Milli Vanilli's career with it.
Rob and Fab's Meeting
- Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus, the faces of Milli Vanilli, met by chance in Los Angeles.
- Both experienced racism growing up as Black men in predominantly white European cultures.