Karen Schoemer, New York Times Music critic (Great Pretenders, My Strange Love Affair
with 50's Pop Music, Simon & Schuster 2006)

FABIAN - The Original American Idol

Fabian - An overnight singing sensation, film star with over 30 films to his credit, and producer of his own concert series, Fabian continues to expand his ever growing career. Receiving one of show business' highest accolades, this pop music and film star was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 8, 2002. He was recognized for over 40 years of live performance with the famed boulevard's 2188th star. Following his successful film career, Fabian has performed at packed concerts, stadiums and casinos from coast to coast and internationally in festivals and theatrical productions. He honored his fans by dedicating his star to them on that memorable day.

His loyal fans are never disappointed. His performance exudes the raw energy that made him one of music's first rock stars.

In his latest triumph, FABIAN hosts and headlines in the hit show, "The Original Stars of Bandstand" at the recently opened Dick Clark Theater in Branson, Missouri. Fabian's first appearance on American Bandstand was June 19, 1958 and he appeared on the show over 20 times. He filled in for Dick Clark as host on dozens of "Caravan of Stars" Tours. "The Original Stars of Bandstand" re-creates those days and is drawing record audiences. "It's like a reunion when I can get where I get re-aquainted with all of my friends again," says Fabian. The show also stars Bobby Vee and features The Chiffons, Brian Hyland, Chris Montez and rare footage of the performers and Dick Clark.

Fabian continues to perform with two of his Philadelphia buddies, Frankie Avalon and Bobby Rydell as "The Golden Boys" in one of the longest running shows of its genre today. In their 20th year together, they have appeared in every major city in the United States and around the world. They have played to packed venues in Atlantic City and Las Vegas and have starred in"The American Music Awards", "Miss Teenage America", and Command Performance: An All Star Salute To The President" television specials. The Philadelphia Music Alliance honored Fabian in 2000, with a star on their Walk of Fame and Fabian visits that city any chance he gets to enjoy the best cheesesteaks anywhere!

Fabian's early films rocketed him to stardom. He made his screen debut in 1959 in "Hound Dog Man", directed by Don Segal. He traveled iout of the country to make "Five Weeks In A Balloon" and "The Longest Day". He worked with two of our great screen giants in "North To Alaska" with John Wayne and "High Time" with Bing Crosby. Fabian was fortunate to have worked with the incomparable and gracious James Stewart in two films in his career, "Mr. Hobbs Takes A Vacation" and "Dear Brigette." He learned to surf with Tab Hunter in "Ride The Wild Surf" which has become a cult classic. More recent work includes being interviewed by Michelle Pfeiffer in the 1996, Jon Avnet directed film, "Up Close & Personal".

Fabian's role as a homicidal maniac in the TV production titled "A Lion Walks Among Us" directed by Robert Altman solidly established him as a versatile and powerful actor. This history making production was the first television show to run an hour without commercials.

As an actor, Fabian makes frequent television and feature film appearances. Some of his most memorable television roles have been his guest appearances on Laverne & Shirley, Facts of Life, Blossom and Murphy Brown. Fabian recently hosted his second PBS Special, "At The Drive-In." "Fabian's GoodTime Rock 'n Roll Show", broadcast live in front of 85,000 fans in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, featured the great rock acts from the 50's & 60's, was the first concert produced for pay-per-view-television and PBS. Fabian was the Host, performer and producer of this concert special. Fabian is also an Emmy-nominated producer for his work on the highly acclaimed documentary series "The Wild West".

Fabian has enjoyed a successful commercial career representing products such as Pepsi, Denny's & Nutri System to name just a few and lends his distinctive voice to radio and voiceovers for commercials and television projects.

Fabian is one of the first pop rock artists ever to be known by just one name. Answering the most often asked question, Fabian is his real birth name having been named after his paternal grandfather, Fabiano Forte. Today children of his fans, a type font, and a hurricane have been named after him, which really caused quite a stir. His full name is Fabian Anthony Forte....better known now as www.fabianforte.com

Born on February 6, 1943 to Josephine and Domenic Forte, Fabian Forte was discovered at the age of 14 sitting on his front steps in Philadelphia. Fabian had just watched his father being taken away in an ambulance when he was approached him about becoming a singer. His father couldn't work any longer as the oldest of three brothers, Fabian took a chance at "making some money" to help his family out and never thought of it as a career. Soon thousands were to throng to his concerts and the rest is a music business success story. At 15, Fabian won the Silver Award as "The Promising Male Vocalist of 1958". By the time he was 18, he had recorded dozens of hit singles, eight albums and earned gold records for "Turn Me Loose" and "Tiger" and a gold album for "The Fabulous Fabian".

In 1998, Fabian married model Andrea Patrick, a former Miss Pennsylvania-USA and Miss West Virginia who is the Owner/CEO of Patrick Talent Agency. He is also a proud father of a son Christian and his wife, Mercedes and their daughter, Fabian's grandaughter, Ava Josephine, and a daughter, Julie Forte. Fabian and Andrea are actively involved in the American Diabetes Association, The American Heart Assocation. Fabian has helped raise money for veterans with his Celebrity Golf Tournament in North Carolina. Andrea and Fabian live on 20 acres in Southwestern Pennsylvania with their dog Max in a home that Andrea designed.

Singer, performer, actor, producer, father, husband and friend.....Fabian is a man who has had longevity in his career because of his perseverance, his loyalty, his professionalism, his wonderful, kind heart and his tenacity. Fabian has traveled the show business ladder and survived, his sense of humor and integrity intact. And for that. he truly is the FABULOUS FABIAN.