Here is the biography of Frankie Avalon:
Frankie Avalon, a teen idol from Philadelphia, had a unique musical background, having been taught to play the trumpet at a young age by his father. As a youth, he performed in local clubs and theaters, winning a local TV talent contest with a trumpet solo. At age 12, he was part of a band called Rocco and the Saints, which also featured fellow teen singer Bobby Rydell. He later performed at a private party for singer Al Martino, impressing a talent scout who secured him an appearance on Jackie Gleason's TV show, leading to more TV appearances.
In 1954, he recorded two instrumental singles for "X" Records, featuring his trumpet playing. He eventually landed a recording contract with Chancellor Records, releasing "Cupid" and "Teacher's Pet", which earned him a small movie role in Jamboree! (1957). His next record, "DeDe Dinah", was written by his managers, but he had little respect for it, resulting in its distinctive nasal sound.
After appearing on Dick Clark's American Bandstand (1952),his record "DeDe Dinah" sold over a million copies. In 1959, he recorded the million-selling "Venus", but his career began to decline in 1960. He transitioned to acting, taking small parts in movies, including The Alamo (1960) with John Wayne.
He began to get bigger roles, starring in Drums of Africa (1963),and his movie career took off when paired with former Mousketeer Annette Funicello in Beach Party (1963) and its sequels. These films, featuring surfing, comedy, dancing, and "beach bunnies" in bikinis, became a huge success.
Avalon continued to record songs, but his fame was now largely tied to his movies. In 1985, he toured with fellow teen idols Rydell and Fabian in the oldies show "The Golden Boys of Bandstand", which was a huge success. He reunited with Funicello in Back to the Beach (1987),a parody of their earlier "beach" movies. Avalon still makes personal appearances and tours, often with his old friend and mentor Dick Clark.
