Frankie Lymon passed away from a heroin overdose at the age of 25.
Frankie Lymon, known for his rise to fame as the boy soprano lead singer of the teenage group The Teenagers, had a brief but influential career in the music industry. Born on September 30, 1942, in Harlem, New York, he achieved success with hits like “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” in the mid-1950s. However, his career declined as his voice changed and he struggled with drug addiction.
Lymon’s personal life was tumultuous, marked by multiple relationships and substance abuse issues. His addiction to heroin worsened over time, leading to several attempts at a comeback that were ultimately unsuccessful. Tragically, on February 27, 1968, Frankie Lymon was found dead of a heroin overdose in his grandmother’s bathroom. He was only 25 years old. His death underscored the dark side of the music industry and the perils of early fame and addiction. Despite his short life, Lymon’s impact on doo-wop and rock and roll remains significant, and his work continues to be celebrated.