He is one of the real voices behind the hits “Blame It On The Rain,” and “Girl You Know It’s True.”
Singer John Davis, whose vocals can be heard on the Milli Vanilli hit singles, died May 24 of a COVID-related illness. He was 66 years old.
Davis’ daughter confirmed his death on a Facebook post.
“He made a lot of people happy with his laughter and smile, his happy spirit, love and especially through his music. He gave so much to the world! Please give him the last round of applause. We will miss him dearly.”
When Milli Vanilli first made a big splash in mainstream pop in 1989, they were the German duo Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus.
With producer Frank Farian, the duo’s first single “Girl You Know It’s True” immediately made a mark. Subsequent singles “Blame it On The Rain,” “Girl I’m Gonna Miss You” and “Baby Don’t Forget My Number” all shot up to the top of the charts.
Catchy soul-tinged pop songs coupled with fashionable long dreadlocks, good looks and smooth dance moves, made stars of the duo at the turn of the 90’s.
But not long after, Morvan and Pilatus were found to have faked their performances on the record. Their Best New Artist Grammy revoked, it was later revealed that the true singers of all those hit singles were John Davis, Brad Howell and Charles Shaw.
With Davis and Howell, Farian rebranded and called the second album “The Moment Of Truth” by the Real Milli Vanilli. The album was not released in the U.S.
Morvan and Davis remained friends and even performed together on occasion.
Morvan tweeted, “R.I.P. brother @johndavismv Can’t believe it, thanks for all the love you’ve spread throughout the years, from the edge of the stage. You and I had a great run, it was fun to celebrate life with the help of music. Peace one love. Your voice will live on. Play it loud everybody.”