Milli Vanilli facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Milli Vanilli
Fab Morvan (left) and Rob Pilatus (right) with NARAS President C. Michael Greene (center), February 1990
Background information
Also known as	Rob & Fab
Origin	Munich, West Germany
Genres	Dance pop, new jack swing, R&B, funk, Eurodance, hip hop
Years active	1988–1990, 1997–1998
Labels	Arista, Hansa
Associated acts	The Real Milli Vanilli, Rob & Fab
Past members	Representative: Fab Morvan Rob Pilatus Actual: Charles Shaw Brad Howell John Davis Jodie Rocco Linda Rocco Founder: Frank Farian

Milli Vanilli was a popular German music duo. It was formed in Munich in 1988. The group included Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus. They were put together by music producer Frank Farian.

Milli Vanilli quickly became famous around the world. Their first album was called All or Nothing in Europe. In the United States, it was released as Girl You Know It's True. This album was a huge success. It even won them a Grammy Award for Best New Artist on February 21, 1990.

Milli Vanilli sold millions of records. They were one of the biggest pop acts in the late 1980s and early 1990s. But their fame ended quickly. It was discovered that Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus did not sing on their records. They only performed on stage. The duo had to give back their Grammy Award. They tried to make a new album in 1998 called Back and in Attack. But it was never released because Rob Pilatus died at age 32.

The Rise of Milli Vanilli

Milli Vanilli began in 1988. Producer Frank Farian created the group. He brought together Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus. They were chosen to be the faces of the group.

Their music was a mix of dance pop, R&B, and hip hop. This sound was very popular at the time. Their catchy songs quickly climbed the music charts.

Early Success and Hit Songs

Milli Vanilli's first album was a massive hit. It included popular songs like "Girl You Know It's True" and "Blame It on the Rain." These songs were played everywhere. They helped the duo become global superstars.

The group performed on TV shows and in concerts. They became known for their energetic performances. Fans loved their style and music.

The Big Secret Revealed

Milli Vanilli's success was huge. But there was a secret behind their music. Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus were not the actual singers on their records. Other singers had recorded the vocals.

The Confession

In November 1990, the truth came out. Frank Farian, the producer, admitted the secret. He said that Morvan and Pilatus did not sing on the tracks. This news shocked fans around the world.

Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus also confessed. They said they had not sung the songs. This led to a big scandal in the music industry.

Losing the Grammy Award

Because of the confession, Milli Vanilli had to return their Grammy Award. They were the first group in Grammy history to have an award taken away. This event marked the end of their time as a famous music duo.

After the Controversy

The scandal greatly affected Milli Vanilli's career. Their music was removed from stores. Many fans felt disappointed and betrayed.

Attempts at a Comeback

After the scandal, Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus tried to make new music. They released an album in 1993 called Rob & Fab. However, it did not achieve the same success.

In 1998, they worked on another album called Back and in Attack. Sadly, this album was never released. Rob Pilatus passed away at the age of 32. This brought an end to any further plans for Milli Vanilli.

Legacy of Milli Vanilli

Milli Vanilli's story is a famous example in music history. It shows how important honesty is in the entertainment world. Even though their career ended in controversy, their songs were very popular for a time.

The group's story reminds us about the difference between a performer and a singer. It also highlights the role of producers in creating music.

See also

In Spanish: Milli Vanilli para niños