John Davis, real Milli Vanilli singer, dies from Covid aged 66

CNN/Stylemagazine.com Newswire | 5/27/2021, 9:09 a.m.

Originally Published: 27 MAY 21 09:57 ET

By Zamira Rahim, CNN

(CNN) -- John Davis, one of the true singers behind notorious R&B act Milli Vanilli, has died of coronavirus aged 66, according to his family.

Davis' daughter, Jasmin Davis, confirmed the performer's death to CNN Thursday.

She revealed the news initially in a post shared on his Facebook page this week.

"Unfortunately my dad passed away this evening through the coronavirus," she wrote on Monday.

"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."

Milli Vanilli was a German-French act fronted by Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan, which fell apart after it emerged that the men had not sung on their records.

The real singing was done by vocalists behind the scenes, including Davis.

The musical duo won the 1989 Grammy for best new artist but lost the award after the truth emerged.

Davis continued with his musical career after the scandal, this time as a lead performer.

He sang with stars such as Luther Vandross and performed at concerts around the world. Davis also composed film music.

The musician, who was born in South Carolina, moved to Germany later in life where he made occasional television appearances.

"Last night we lost: a father, a brother, a grandfather, a friend...and one of a kind musician," Jasmin Davis wrote on a GoFundMe page for her father's funeral.

"We are deeply saddened by his passing and will miss him dearly, especially [his] smile and laughter."

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