Fergie Frederiksen
Fergie Frederiksen: The Voice Behind the Unforgettable "Angel Don't Cry"
Early Life and Influences
Fergie Frederiksen, born in 1951, grew up in a musical family, where his passion for music ignited at a young age. His father played the piano, while his brother, Benny, became an accomplished guitarist. Fergie's early musical influences included soul, R&B, and rock icons such as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Jimi Hendrix.
Joining Toto
In 1977, Frederiksen joined the legendary rock band Toto as their lead vocalist. His powerful and soulful voice instantly became a signature element of the band's sound. Together, they released a string of hit albums and singles, including the iconic "Hold the Line," "99," and "Rosanna."
Solo Career and "Angel Don't Cry"
After leaving Toto in 1986, Fergie embarked on a successful solo career. His debut album, "Frederiksen," featured the heart-wrenching ballad "Angel Don't Cry." The song, written by Frederiksen and songwriter Diane Warren, became an instant classic, soaring to the top of the charts and earning him Grammy Award nominations.
Challenges and Controversies
Frederiksen's career was marked by both triumphs and challenges. In 1991, he was diagnosed with throat cancer, which forced him to undergo extensive surgery. Despite the setback, he made a remarkable recovery and continued to perform and record. However, his personal life was often troubled, with struggles with substance abuse and legal issues.
Later Years and Legacy
Despite his challenges, Frederiksen remained a respected and admired figure in the music industry. He continued to release albums and tour until his untimely death from liver failure in 2014. His legacy as one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time lives on, with his voice forever etched in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Discography
* With Toto:
* Toto (1978)
* Hydra (1979)
* Turn Back (1981)
* IV (1982)
* Isolation (1984)
* Solo:
* Frederiksen (1987)
* True Companion (1991)
* Primitive (1993)
* Unleashed (2001)
* Equilibrium (2005)
Members of Toto (during Frederiksen's tenure):
* David Paich (keyboards, vocals)
* Jeff Porcaro (drums, percussion)
* Steve Lukather (guitar, vocals)
* David Hungate (bass guitar)
* Bobby Kimball (lead vocals, 1977-1984)
* Mike Porcaro (bass guitar, 1982-1986)
Early Life and Influences
Fergie Frederiksen, born in 1951, grew up in a musical family, where his passion for music ignited at a young age. His father played the piano, while his brother, Benny, became an accomplished guitarist. Fergie's early musical influences included soul, R&B, and rock icons such as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Jimi Hendrix.
Joining Toto
In 1977, Frederiksen joined the legendary rock band Toto as their lead vocalist. His powerful and soulful voice instantly became a signature element of the band's sound. Together, they released a string of hit albums and singles, including the iconic "Hold the Line," "99," and "Rosanna."
Solo Career and "Angel Don't Cry"
After leaving Toto in 1986, Fergie embarked on a successful solo career. His debut album, "Frederiksen," featured the heart-wrenching ballad "Angel Don't Cry." The song, written by Frederiksen and songwriter Diane Warren, became an instant classic, soaring to the top of the charts and earning him Grammy Award nominations.
Challenges and Controversies
Frederiksen's career was marked by both triumphs and challenges. In 1991, he was diagnosed with throat cancer, which forced him to undergo extensive surgery. Despite the setback, he made a remarkable recovery and continued to perform and record. However, his personal life was often troubled, with struggles with substance abuse and legal issues.
Later Years and Legacy
Despite his challenges, Frederiksen remained a respected and admired figure in the music industry. He continued to release albums and tour until his untimely death from liver failure in 2014. His legacy as one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time lives on, with his voice forever etched in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Discography
* With Toto:
* Toto (1978)
* Hydra (1979)
* Turn Back (1981)
* IV (1982)
* Isolation (1984)
* Solo:
* Frederiksen (1987)
* True Companion (1991)
* Primitive (1993)
* Unleashed (2001)
* Equilibrium (2005)
Members of Toto (during Frederiksen's tenure):
* David Paich (keyboards, vocals)
* Jeff Porcaro (drums, percussion)
* Steve Lukather (guitar, vocals)
* David Hungate (bass guitar)
* Bobby Kimball (lead vocals, 1977-1984)
* Mike Porcaro (bass guitar, 1982-1986)