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He
also appeared in 'Grease' in 1979 as the Teen Angel performing 'Beauty
School Dropout' and, over the years, has continued to make guest appearances
in that role in stage versions of the musical. He is most noted for
the series of 'Beach
Movies' he made with Annette Funicello, that became a
template for the entire film genre. They included 'Beach Party', 'Bikini
Beach Party', 'Muscle Beach Party', 'Beach Blanket Bingo' and 'How to
Stuff a Wild Bikini'.
In 1978 he was reunited with his former co-star in the TV movie 'Frankie
& Annette: The Second Time Around' and the two co-starred once again
in the feature film 'The Final Chapter - Back To The Beach' (also known
as 'Malibu Beach Girls') in 1989.
He
also appeared in the TV movie 'The Annette Funicello Story' in
1995.
His early recordings were 'Cupid' and 'Teacher's Pet', backed
by The Saints, making his chart debut in 1958 with 'Dede Dinah'.
His other hits include 'Ginger Bread', 'I'll Wait for You', 'Venus',
'Bobby Sox to Stockings', 'A Boy Without a Girl', 'Just Ask Your
Heart', 'Why', 'Swingin' on a Rainbow', 'Don't Throw Away All
Those Teardrops', 'Where Are You?', 'Togetherness' and 'You Are
Mine.' He has had 25 entries in the American charts including
several million-sellers and two chart toppers - 'Venus' and 'Why'.
A number of his hits were penned by his manager Bob Marucci.
Frankie ceased having hits in the Sixties, but continued to record
for a number of labels, although he had more success on the US
cabaret circuit.
He also appeared regularly in numerous episodes of various TV
series including 'Fantasy Island', 'The Love Boat', 'Police Story',
'Happy Days', 'Rawhide', 'It Takes A Thief' and 'Burke's Law'.
Along with Bobby Rydell and Fabian he appeared on a successful
50 city tour 'The Golden Boys of Bandstand' in 1985.
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