#fab morvan

[jodielandons]

MILLI VANILLI (2023) dir. Luke Korem | This moment in the doc really stuck with me. Imagine being a poor, abused, orphaned black child in Germany in the 80s who finally got one opportunity to follow your dreams. Your dreams ended up being exploited for a white couple's gain. Then when you lose the little success you had, you're berated by a British white man.

@jodielandons BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2024 FILM SERIES

[blckvenuz]

[hollywoodroses]

Girl You Know It's True (2024 Remix) - Fab Morvan

[hollyqueue]

All or Nothing

[purvlereign]

the category is face.

[phtharticdelights]

fabrice morvan.

[freshlyblaked]

1989 promo cd art for maximum milli vanilli - the hits that shook the world

[mr-dead-inside]

Milli Vanilli - Girl You Know It's True

[Music Video] 1989

[chellecent]

[mumbojumbo84317]

Fab Morvan (left) and Rob Pilatus (1965 - 1998) of Franco-German R&B duo, Milli Vanilli, Gun Wharves, Wapping, London, 27th September 1988.

📸 Michael Putland/Getty Images

[ablufox]

The Rise and Fall of Milli Vanilli and Life After Scandal

The narrative of Milli Vanilli is a rollercoaster journey filled with swift success, abrupt disgrace, and an endeavor toward personal and professional redemption.

Born out of the vision of music producer Frank Farian in the late 1980s, Milli Vanilli, comprising Rob Pilatus and Fabrice Morvan, became an emblem of commercial and overnight pop success.

Their first album “All or Nothing” (1988) achieved success in Europe leading them to release an updated version titled “Girl You Know Its True” in the United States. The album became a sensation. Propelled them to stardom resulting in three American Music Awards and a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1990.

Their dynamic stage presence and unique fashion sense made them true icons of their time. However, their image started to crumble when it was revealed that they hadn’t actually sung any of the songs on their album.

The video above showcases when their “live” performance was cut short when the audio malfunctioned by skipping during the concert. The duo rushed off stage. When this was headline news I thought to myself that many performances lip sync especially when a lot of dancing was involved. They were very active on stage with a lot of dancing. No big deal, right?

Wrong. The vocals were instead provided by actual singers Ray Horton, John Davis, Gina Mohammed, Frank Farian, and Brad Howell while Pilatus and Morvan acted as figureheads, for the group lip-syncing during performances.

The music industry and the public felt deceived, leading to a historic return of their Grammy Award. This was the first time in Recording Academy history to have any Grammy Award returned, for any reason. The scandal spurred a reevaluation of ethical practices within the industry, spotlighting the fine line between commercial success and artistic authenticity.

The question of who knew about Milli Vanilli’s deception remains a mystery. It’s possible that some people within the industry were aware of the facade. The desire for success might have outweighed ethical considerations. The scandal also ushered in a period of public ridicule and professional ostracism for Pilatus and Morvan. 

Pilatus‘ post-scandal life stood in contrast to the admiration he once enjoyed as a pop icon grappling with the disgrace, he spiraled into a life of substance abuse and legal issues, culminating in his tragic demise in 1998.

On the other hand, Fabrice Morvan demonstrated resilience as he tried to rebuild his life and career outside the haunting shadow of Milli Vanilli. Nonetheless, reminders of the past continued to cast their shadow over his endeavors.

The dazzling ascent and subsequent plummet of Milli Vanilli from the zenith of the music industry is a tale rich in irony and caution. However, amidst the debris of shattered dreams and stained reputations emerged a narrative of resilience and undying hope, epitomized by Fab Morvan’s journey post-scandal. While the world was quick to castigate and relegate the duo to the annals of infamous frauds, Fab Morvan embarked on a path less trodden, one that sought redemption through authenticity and a genuine love for music.

His efforts to rejuvenate his music career saw him venture into various collaborations, each endeavor a step towards carving a niche that resonated with his true musical essence. Fab sought to distance himself from the fabricated image that had once catapulted him to stardom, instead opting for a path that prioritized authenticity over commercial success. The road was arduous and laden with skepticism from critics, yet it was a road that Fab Morvan trod with unwavering resolve.

Parallel to his professional endeavors was Fab Morvan’s personal journey. He found love and embraced the joys of fatherhood, a phase of his life that perhaps provided the solace and grounding needed amidst the tumultuous professional landscape. His relationship with Tessa Van Der Steen and the birth of their children marked a new chapter, one that transcended the chaos that had once engulfed his existence.

Moreover, Fab Morvan’s engagement in discussions and reflections about the Milli Vanilli saga, as evidenced in recent documentaries and interviews, indicates a level of acceptance and introspection. He has become a voice of experience, offering a unique perspective on the intricacies and ethical dilemmas inherent in the music industry.

The essence of Fab Morvan’s narrative post-Milli Vanilli is a blend of professional resilience and personal growth. His journey embodies the quintessence of redemption, showcasing that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit’s quest for authenticity and genuine connection remains undeterred.

Through the lens of Fab Morvan’s experiences, the tale of Milli Vanilli transforms from a mere scandalous anecdote to a nuanced narrative rich in lessons about integrity, authenticity, and the indomitable human spirit. His life post-Milli Vanilli is a testament to the enduring essence of hope, resilience, and the inexorable drive to forge a genuine connection with the world, even when the odds are stacked against one.

I grew up in the 80s and was a huge fan of Milli Vanilli. Despite the shock heard around the world, I was in love with this duo and their fake vocals. The album had hits that resonated with my high school experiences and memories. Still to this day, I listen to their music even though they are the visual, I still enjoy the vocals of the original singers. Seeing this new documentary really reawakened my love for the duo. 

I feel that Frank Farain did not take much responsibility for creating this fraud and the fact that I feel record producer, Clive Davis, knew about it really hurts. Money makes the world go around and in the end, Rob is the one who lost most, his life. 

You can see the new “Milli Vanilli” documentary on Paramount Plus. 

[blckvenuz]

[hollywoodroses]

Girl You Know It's True (2023)

[hollyqueue]

Sabrina, "Hot Girl" 1987

Girl You Know it's True, "Hot Boyz" 2023

In the Hot Boyz scene, Fab tells Rob he needs to stop freestlying and dance the choreography. IRL, the boy dancers in the Sabrina clip (Fab, Rob, plus a third dancer) were allowed to step out of the line and freestyle a bit -- and you can see precursors to iconic Milli Vanilli moves.

[purvlereign]

“Oh s-so you doing the bending?!” 😭😭😭 like what was this photographer on