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Boney M's Bobby Farrell Dead at 61

Bobby Farrell Boney MKevin Cummins, Getty Images

Bobby Farrell -- the only male member of Germany-based '70s disco group Boney M -- has died in Russia at the age of 61, reports the BBC. According to his agent, John Seine, the singer-dancer was found dead by staff in his hotel room in St. Petersburg after he failed to respond to a wake-up call.

Farrell had been performing in the Russian city with a version of Boney M and had complained the previous night of breathing difficulties before and after the gig. No cause of death has been given as yet.

Born Roberto Alfonso Farrell in Aruba in 1949, the performer had moved around Europe before being spotted by producer Frank Farian (who not only created Boney M but also devised the scandal-plagued duo Milli Vanilli). Though all his vocal parts were handled by Farian in the studio, Farrell did sing live.

Along with singers Liz Mitchell, Marcia Barrett and Maizie Williams, Farrell and Boney M become regular chart fixtures in the UK and throughout Europe, thanks to smash hits including 'Ma Baker,' 'Brown Girl in the Ring' and 'Daddy Cool' (however, fame would mostly elude them in North America, with 'Rivers of Babylon' marking them as one-hit wonders in the US). Boney M officially disbanded in 1986, but numerous versions of the group featuring the different members have been touring the live circuit ever since.

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ROY WELDON

-------------BONY M = Garbage!

December 30 2010 at 6:36 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
Gershom2001

Some folks need to get out more. The world never has revolved around the USA.

December 30 2010 at 6:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jay

Pizzaman,kimberly smith. And any others with nothing good to say about Boney M, shutup and be quiet. There are many who care. One of a kind musical group. R.I.P

December 30 2010 at 4:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Greg

Boney Freaking Who??????????????????

December 30 2010 at 1:40 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
Debbie

I listened to the radio 24/7 and loved the Disco Era of the 70's but I don't recall Boney M at all!!! Was their music even played in the USA????

December 30 2010 at 1:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
SandhillsRider

Nice shirt, Dude!

December 30 2010 at 12:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Greg

How sad! May he have fried fish and johnny cakes in Heaven ....

December 30 2010 at 12:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Barb

"Christmas with Boney M." is my all-time favorite christmas cd! Rest in Peace Bobby...

December 30 2010 at 12:04 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tuula Westra

During my hippytimes in Casablanca Morocco, it was ooohh Mammy oh Mammy Blue oo Mammy Blue.... I maybe your forgotten son, who wandered off at twenty one....Merci bien pour votre chanson fabuleux. Moi je jamais oublie ca..

December 30 2010 at 11:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
John Healy

Have a great one on the other side Bobby - X

December 30 2010 at 11:49 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply