Who Is Frankie Lymon? Age, Biography and Wiki
Frankie Lymon was born on September 30, 1942, and tragically passed away on February 27, 1968. Although he left this world at a young age, his influence as a pioneering American singer, particularly in the 1950s with the group The Teenagers, continues to resonate in the music industry. In 2025, we reflect on his rich legacy that shaped the rhythm and blues genre.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 30, 1942 |
| Age | 25 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 27 February, 1968 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Frankie Lymon's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Frankie Lymon was known for his youthful appearance and charismatic stage presence. In the prime of his career, he stood approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed around 130 pounds. His lean frame was complemented by an energetic performance style, making him an iconic figure in the music scene.
On February 27, 1968, Lymon was found dead on the floor of his grandmother's bathroom from a heroin overdose with a syringe by his side. Lymon was only 25 years old. The overdose was a result from "acute intravenous narcotism," according to his death certificate. Lymon, a Baptist, was buried at Saint Raymond's Cemetery in the Throggs Neck section of The Bronx, New York City.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
In terms of Frankie Lymon's family, he was born to a supportive family who encouraged his early musical endeavors. His personal life included relationships with notable figures. Notably, Lymon was married to Elizabeth Waters in 1965, and his romantic endeavors have been the subject of considerable public interest over the years.
As of 2025, speculative discussions about Lymon’s relationships often hint at the tumultuous yet heartfelt connections he had during his time, even though he is no longer with us.
At age 12 in 1954, Lymon heard a local doo-wop group known as the Coupe De Villes at a school talent show. He became friends with the lead singer Herman Santiago, and eventually became a member of the group, now calling itself both the Ermines and the Premiers.
One day in 1955, a neighbor gave the Premiers several love letters that had been written to him by his girlfriend, hoping to give the boys inspiration to write their own songs. Jimmy Merchant and Santiago adapted one of the letters into a song called "Why Do Fools Fall in Love".
The Premiers, now calling themselves the Teenagers, got their first shot at fame after impressing Richard Barrett, a singer with the Valentines. Barrett, in turn, got the group an audition with record producer George Goldner. On the day of the group's audition, original lead singer Santiago was late.
Lymon stepped up and told Goldner that he knew the part because he helped write the song. The disc jockeys always called them "Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers".
Net Worth and Salary
Frankie Lymon's career, though brief, was incredibly influential. At the height of his fame in the late 1950s, he garnered significant earnings through record sales and live performances. Historical estimations suggest that his net worth reached over $575,000 at the time of his passing, a substantial amount considering the era. In 2025, given the ongoing popularity of his music and posthumous recognition, his estate continues to generate income, enhancing his financial legacy.
However, the details of the case brought about another issue: whether mobster Morris Levy was deserving of the songwriting co-credit on "Why Do Fools Fall in Love".
Although early single releases of "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" credit Frankie Lymon, Herman Santiago, and Jimmy Merchant as co-writers, later releases and cover versions were attributed to Lymon and George Goldner.
When Goldner sold his music companies to Morris Levy in 1959, Levy's name began appearing as co-writer of "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" in place of Goldner's.
Lymon was never paid his songwriting royalties during his lifetime; one result of Emira Eagle's legal victory was that Lymon's estate would finally begin receiving monetary compensation from his hit song's success. In 1987, Herman Santiago and Jimmy Merchant, both by then poor, sued Morris Levy's estate for their songwriting credits.
In December 1992, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled that Santiago and Merchant were co-authors of "Why Do Fools Fall in Love". However, in 1996 the ruling was reversed by the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on the basis of the statute of limitations: copyright cases must be brought before a court within three years of the alleged civil violation while Merchant and Santiago's lawsuit was not filed until 30 years later.
Authorship of "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" currently remains in the names of Frankie Lymon and Morris Levy.
Career, Business and Investments
Frankie Lymon's career took off with The Teenagers, producing unforgettable hits like “Why Do Fools Fall in Love.” His compelling voice and unique style set him apart and helped pave the way for future artists in the genre. Despite his struggles with addiction and early passing, his music remains influential.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Lymon's work, leading to various tributes, biographical films, and renewed popularity on digital music platforms. Although he did not engage significantly in business ventures during his life, his estate has explored merchandising and licensing opportunities to celebrate his legacy.
Franklin Joseph Lymon (September 30, 1942 – February 27, 1968 ) was an American rock and roll/rhythm and blues singer and songwriter, best known as the boy soprano lead singer of the New York City-based early rock and roll doo-wop group the Teenagers. The group was composed of five boys, all in their early to mid-teens.
The original lineup of the Teenagers, an integrated group, included three African-American members, Lymon, Jimmy Merchant, and Sherman Garnes; and two Puerto Rican members, Joe Negroni and Herman Santiago. The Teenagers' first single, 1956's "Why Do Fools Fall in Love", was also their biggest hit.
After Lymon went solo in mid-1957, both his career and that of the Teenagers fell into decline. In 1968, Lymon was found dead at the age of 25 on the floor of his grandmother's bathroom from a heroin overdose. Lymon was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 as a member of the Teenagers.
His life was dramatized in the 1998 film Why Do Fools Fall in Love.
Social Network
Frankie Lymon’s presence on social media might not exist in the conventional sense, given that he lived long before the digital age. However, numerous fan pages and tribute accounts exist on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, showcasing his music and sharing stories about his life and career. These platforms continue to keep his memory alive and engage a new generation of fans.
The Fall referenced Lymon in "No X-mas for John Quays" on their March 1979 album Live at the Witch Trials. The English band Everything but the Girl, on their 1991 album Worldwide, include the song "Boxing and Pop Music" which references Lymon throughout the song.
Lymon was mentioned in the 1992 Stephen King short story "You Know They Got a Hell of a Band".
Lymon is named as the one who cut off the waitress Sissy's finger for trying to help the protagonists, Mary and Clark Willingham, escape from the town of Rock & Roll Heaven, Oregon, which is inhabited by Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Roy Orbison, and other musicians who died young.
Education
Frankie Lymon's education was influenced by his early immersion in music and performance. He attended George Washington High School, where he developed his musical talents. Although he did not pursue further formal education, his natural gifts and passion for music served as the foundation for his stellar career.
Conclusion
As we reflect on Frankie Lymon's legacy in 2025, it is clear that his contributions to music have had a lasting impact. His age, body stats, relationship insights, and continued financial legacy highlight a life that, although tragically short, remains celebrated and influential. Frankie Lymon is more than just a name in music history; he is a beacon of talent and a symbol of how music transcends time.
