Boney M. Biography

Boney M is an R&B and disco group formed in 1976 in Germany. The 4 original members (Liz, Marcia, Maizie and Bobby Farell) shared massive success in Europe during the 70s, with songs like Daddy Cool, Ma Baker, Rasputin and Rivers of Babylon. The later became the second highest-selling song in the UK. Additionally, it reached Top 40 in the US.

Beginning & Take the Heat Off Me

Frank Farian created Boney M., at first, as a pseudonym for himself and recorded in 1974. After a few line-up changes, the newly formed group Boney M. released their first album in 1976. Take The Heat of Me was initially a mild success but after the performance on the show Musikladen, the group received massive recognition. Consequently, the single Daddy Cool topped several European charts and became one of the most popular Boney M songs.

Love for Sale & Nightflight to Venus

One year later, the group released their second album, Love for Sale, which spawned two utterly popular singles, Ma Baker and Belfast. They both topped the German charts and reached the UK Top 10. Additionally, Boney M embarked on the first major tour. In 1978, the disco band’s fame reached its highest peak. Their double-sided single Rivers of Babylon/Brown Girl in the Ring conquered all Europe and also peaked at number 30 on the US Pop singles chart. It was included in the band’s best-selling album, Nightflight to Venus, which also spawned the popular song, Rasputin. However, they never again managed to equal that success. The band is still performing, even after Bobby Farell‘s death in 2010, in different formulas, at various high-profile events.

Photo source: Discogs