TRAGIC NYC Apt & Grave of FRANKIE LYMON & The TEENAGERS Why Do Fools Fall In Love

[@williamcohen2447]

Such a tragedy for a group of young men that had so much to give but ended abused by drugs Thanks to both Jordan and Katie

[@pashamorris1497]

"Abused by drugs or abusing drugs?" Drugs don't MAKE YOU take them.

[@StellarAvenger]

His biopic is an underrated classic. It might have it's problems, but it put his life into context. Such a tragic end to a talent with limitless potential. It's a shame how fast you can lose it all when the industry decides you're not needed anymore.

[@thraxgasolina]

He was robbed by his mafia handlers who signed him THERES more to the story than drugs 🤦‍♂️

[@Cbb456]

My aunt & uncle lived above them in that same building. Never knew it until years later..... I went to stitt in 78.

[@Riz2336]

For such a young kid he had a hell of a voice and you gotta think his group had to inspire later ones like the Jackson 5

[@anniem9595]

STILL love Frankie Lymon ! His voice is stunning and powerful 💪♥️

[@mariaday712]

What a sad story. Thank you, Jordan and Katy, for telling their story. May Frankie rest in peace. You and Katy stay safe and take care.

[@ryandejuan9934]

Frankie Lymon still being talked about and thought of in 2024? Legendary.

[@nativechique7589]

Yes

[@ceeceetracey9839]

yes

[@TyeArtisik]

Yup

[@beautifulsoultress3078]

Such a young man when he passed away. I wish alot of these musicians that died at a young age could live longer enough to see how much the world changed.

[@lindafriedlander5228]

Absolutely love Why Do Fools Fall in Love! Thank you for sharing Frankie's life with us. May he rest in peace.

[@ELVISISKING1000]

Great video as always, Jordan. From 1980 until 2008, I was a member of the United in Group Harmony Association (UGHA) which was based out of Rutherford & Clifton, New Jersey. In 1980, UGHA was responsible for bringing the surviving members of the Teenagers, Herman Santiago & Jimmy Merchant out of retirement, and helped them to reform the group with Pearl McKinnon of the 1950's R&B vocal group, The Kodaks, as their lead vocalist. She sang just like Frankie and was a great sound-alike. They added member Derek Venturo and began performing at the Bottom Line in NYC and in various clubs in the tri-state area. This all began at a UGHA meeting-show at Schuetzen Park's Banquet Hall in North Bergen, New Jersey. In 1986, UGHA president-founder Ronnie "I" Italiano found out that Frankie's grave had no head stone. He organized a special fundraising concert to help raise money to purchase a nice head stone with his picture and a nice saying that said "Frankie Lymon-We Promise to Remember. Dedicated by his friends and fans from the United in Group Harmony Association. UGHA had to wait until one woman was found out to be his legal wife, which was Elmira Eagle. Her lawyer wanted UGHA to pay them money in order to place the head stone on his grave. Ronnie I told him F-YOU, and decided to make the stone a part of a shrine to Frankie Lymon in his Clifton Music Store in Clifton, New Jersey. The magazine The Globe published a story about all of this which they titled "Frankie Lymon-Rest in Pieces". Elmira placed her stone on the grave out of guilt. The UGHA stone is a much nicer stone than the one she put on the grave. In 1991, Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers were voted into the UGHA Hall of Fame by the voting members of UGHA, which I am a member of and one of many to vote them into the hall, at an induction ceremony which was held at Symphony Space Performing Arts Center in New York City. The Teenagers had the now-deceased Jimmy Castor of the group Jimmy Castor & The Castor Bunch as lead singer and also included the now late-great Louis Lymon, Frankie's brother, of the 1950's R&B vocal group The Teen Chords. In the mid 1990's, my now late-great friend, Timothy Wilson, of the 1950's R&B vocal group Tiny Tim & The Hits, and the singer of many great Soul recordings in the 1960's, became their new lead singer after Jimmy Castor left the group. They performed at many UGHA shows and also in the UK and all over the USA and performed on the PBS Doo-Wop shows. I became friends with Timothy in the early 1990's. I would see him and the Teenagers perform at various venues. I saw Timmy and the Teenagers perform at a UGHA Meeting-Show at Schuetzen Park's Casino Hall in North Bergen, NJ in 2002. I also spoke with Timmy and with Louis Lymon in the dressing room after their performance on that same evening at that performance. I last saw them perform at Jon "Bowzer" Bowman's Rock & Roll Show at the Wildwoods Convention Center in Wildwood, NJ in 2016. Ronnie "I" Italiano contracted cancer and died at age 67 in early March of 2008. His widow, Sandi "I" Italiano, operated Clifton Music until 2012, when she decided to sell the building and close the store. Sandi operated Clifton Music as an on-line business, but also closed that after a few years of operation. The headstone was given to UGHA member Pam "Dream Girl" Nardella. She created a Frankie Lymon Memorial Garden and placed the stone there in the back yard of her home in Midland Park, NJ. It remained there for a few years until it was donated to a museum in Michigan. News Jersey 12 featured stories about the closing of Clifton Music and the stone's donation to the music museum. Also, Weird New Jersey Magazine featured the story of the Frankie Lymon head stone in a story titled: "Now Appearing Live at Clifton Music, Frankie Lymon's Headstone". Sandi "I" Italiano moved out of Clifton, NJ and now lives a quiet life in Upstate New York. I no longer have any contact with her. I have no contact with Pam "Dream Girl" Nardella. As far as I know, the Teenagers no longer perform as a group. The movie "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" is a good movie, but not 100% accurate. The great part about that movie is that it uses the original recordings of The Teenagers on the musical sound-track. I have a four CD collection of every Teenagers songs, including songs recorded featuring their leads after Frankie left the group, and Frankie's solo recordings as well as unreleased performances and various live performances and interviews with Frankie. He grew up fast, and knew everything that there was to know about sexually pleasing women at the age of 13, which was the same for me at that age. Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers will always be one of my favorite R&B Vocal Groups. I am proud to have voted them into the UGHA Hall of Fame back in 1991. I feature their music on my internet radio shows, which can be listened to at FACE BOOK/THE TONY JAMS MISTER ROCK AND ROLL RADIO SHOW GROUP and at youtube/anthonyjamroz. I have many video performances of Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers as well as the PBS documentary from the mid 1980's titled "Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers: We Promise to Remember". The late-great Ronnie "I" Italiano and our friend, ex-WCBS FM 101.1 Disc-Jockey Bobby Jay, who was also a member of The Teenagers in later years, are a part of that documentary. I also created a print-media album of The Teenagers which can be seen in my Face Book group. MAY FRANKIE LYMON, LOUIS LYMON, SHERMAN GARNES, JOE NIGRONI, AND JIMMY CASTOR ALL REST IN HARMONY.

[@thraxgasolina]

Can you release the unreleased performances and interviews

[@BlackStorm555]

Always interested in Joe Negroni and Sherman Garnes. We hear so much about the others and not much about them.

[@lauriepearce]

Jordan, this is simply a FABULOUS video of Frankie!! Just so happy for you and Katie...what a beautiful couple!!! RIP Frankie.....you and The Teenagers were the best and are truly missed!!!

[@Blingluvr10]

Hey Jordan and Katie! Frankie Lymon had such an amazing voice and the band had so many hits. It's just unfortunate that he had a short life. I've never heard of his life story. I'm so glad you shared his talent and story with us. Thank you! ❤

[@kaymad143]

That is such a sad and tragic story. RIP Frankie Lymon. As for the Yankees hat, welcome to the NY Yankees fans! Thank you Katie & Jordan.

[@teetot5276]

This was great! I wish you could’ve went inside Frankie’s old apartment.

[@angela86753]

You're a wonderful storyteller Jordan. Thank you for sharing this and the tour. Hi to Kadee (I hope the spelling is correct)

[@edwinalucas2615]

I love watching his videos he had a true gift they all did when his voice matured he sings sea breeze ( look it up) beautiful song sand he sings so flawless to perfection.Rest in Peace 🙏🏾♥️🙏🏾

[@swansfan6944]

Very sad 😞 ending for Frankie, such a shame. Such a wonder talent for such a short time. Makes you wonder what could have been, if drugs had not come into his life. ❤️Jodie 🇦🇺

[@marigold7250]

Nice tribute to Frankie, made even better by seeing the place where he grew up. Thanks Jordan & Katie!

[@Katwoman4318]

That was great Katie & Jordan. I worked across the street from the cemetery. My old neck of the woods. Thanks

[@frankmarullo228]

This is a good video Jordan ! I was born and lived about 3 miles from Yankee stadium for about 10 years. I never went to see Frankie lyman' s grave. But I have his greatest hit DVD. I since moved to MONTANA it's much safer out here.!! THANK you Frank from montana......

[@ccmcgee9062]

One of my favorite songs. He lived a hard life. Gone way too soon.

[@anneraso5621]

Love that you did this one.

[@a.azazagoth5413]

This cycle of young groups growing into adulthood and then self destructing is a story as long as music has been performed. It’s an ugly truth that I wish would end. Every generation can name a batch of musicians that came to tragic conclusions. Another great vlog with you and the Ms.!

[@jeffjohnson4015]

Hi, Jordan, This was a very sad and informative video on Frankie Lymon. Thank you for sharing this story on these young men. I learned a lot about them.

[@chadmears136]

Awesome video yall. RIP Frankie❤😢 RIP Billie ❤😢 music legends

[@rahimshahid1937]

PHENOMENAL VIDEO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING 😊😊😊😊😊

[@hilarylacher700]

Well researched, engaging and compassionate vlog - thank you I heard the name but never knew about Frankie Lymon - what a talent and trailblazer- appreciate your sharing

[@ceeceetracey9839]

My mother was a young kid when Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers came out, and my mother always made it her business to share her music and the 1950s and 1960s with us, so we knew all about Frankie Lymon and his tragic, short life. I've watched the movie "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" a thousand times and I've searched high and low to hear more music by Frankie. But for some reason as an older adult I'm more touched and haunted by his story, life and death.

[@mickeywarnock3249]

The movie is more about his ex-wives than him. My favorite song of his is "Goody Goody". Also LOVE Billie Holiday. I have about everything she ever recorded! ❤

[@iamplaymaka]

Exactly why I’m directing a new movie about Frankie!

[@MrRJDB1969]

Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers were a vocal "group". When the word "band" is used, usually it indicates that guitarists, a drummer, a piano player, etc etc, are involved. It was Dick Clark who encouraged them to change the title of, "Why Do Birds Sing So Gay" to it's well known title of, "Why Do Fool's Fall In Love".

[@chucklittle257]

Frankie Lymon was my late uncle. Such a sad story. He passed when I was only 7 years old.

[@alancumming6407]

Such a sad story, many thanks Katie and Jordan for this tribute.

[@godschosenpeople5084]

This was great thank you!!!

[@VickieBell-z7x]

Frankie Lymon was a good dancer and singer too bad he passed away so young nice resting place for him good vlog.jordan and Katie vickie napa california

[@lindatolliver4439]

I remember, Why Do Fools Fall In Love. I liked it back in the day. Some of the first rock and roll songs I listened to, along with Heart Break Hotel, Hound Dog and Don’t Be.Cruel. I was and still am an Elvis fan. I was like 11/12 years old then. Jordan I’ve been following you for several years. I live in WV. not far from where you grew up. I’ve been to Ohio many times, family lived there. I went to see Elvis in concert, July 18, 1975, at the Richfield C. there near Cleveland.

[@rustydelorean6405]

Jordan if you are in NYC you need to take the Yankee Stadium tour and visit the grounds of the old stadium. It would make for some great content. I was there last week and you can stand on the spot where all the history happened.

[@rustydelorean6405]

The old stadium is called Elston Howard field if you put it in GPS

[@winetimesports8477]

Such a great video as always jordan!! I look forward to watching your videos every day and appreciate all the content you provide for us!! Have you ever thought about visiting the grave of Bobby vee in Minnesota ? Have always wanted to check it out. He had such a cool story and was such a great person. Cheers jordan!

[@wendyobrien2843]

Jordan you did an amazing job on this vlog. What a fascinating & tragic story. So sad that things ended the way they did. Love this song & have it on my play list. You do an amazing job at putting all the pieces together to tell the story even when complicated. Love seeing Katie with you! You guys look so happy. Cute couple you are! ❤ Thanks Jordan.

[@donw3912]

A voice from heaven that returned there far too soon. The music was amazing then and still now. Thanks for doing this story Jordan...Their music was and is timeless. When I first heard of the whole story about Frankie it made me so sad.

[@MollyTheGreat10]

Zola Taylor was the one he married in Mexico. My friends who passed away ex husband Herb Reed was in the group Platters with her

[@ralphcorbin3881]

I can't believe you don't have more subscribers. Your content is Awesome. I Love your videos.

[@SarahSmile6]

I loved the movie Why Do Fools Fall in Love about him it was great. Great video as always.

[@dazzlingchick]

Always love when you vlog in NYC! Thanks Jordan and Katie! Happy 🎄Holidays. ~Love&Light♥️Carli

[@oldermusiclover]

he was another person that was talked into going solo such a sad life after he got older and ps Frankie was the voice who inspired Aretha and song acts getting RIPPED OFF was sadly nothing new it happened all the time and still does. the one group I know that didn't happen to was the Fleetwoods

[@billniland-v2d]

That is Herman Santiago doin the split with Frankie...and to this day Herman continues to perform with The Teenagers, his wife handles bookings, and Herman has proven to be a champion of and for the group..and brother Louis (who sang Lydia) sometimes joins in....and for all these years not a hint of trouble...Thank You Herman for all the memories

[@FlyingSnoopy]

Great song and I love that it’s very easy to sing along to, very catchy.

[@aimeemoore1094]

Your fiancee is so adorable and beautiful. May Jehovah God continue to bless you two. As always great video

[@Kyshsams]

I don't ever remember Michael ever stating he was inspired by Frankie Lymon. Michael always stated that he studied " the greats" ....Lymon's career was so short and over with by the time Michael was in diapers. Michael's biggest influencers were James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and the like.

[@tebanjose6928]

Tragic none of the adults were looking out after him they just used him and through him away.

[@morganthebabygenuis]

Amazing story! Thanks!

[@colleenfakename2249]

Always enjoy your work Jordan!! Ty

[@derrickroberts2187]

Grew up in the building Frankie and the group practiced.

[@RandomDudeOne]

While you're in New York might be interesting if you did a video on the last days of Syd and Nancy.

[@TheSeanm102]

so happy you did this frankie Lymon was great

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Enjoyed, thanks for sharing again Jordan and Katy, Jah

[@christianbrother4724]

Would love to see NY someday.

[@AdamtheGrey02]

4:36 Great song and what an awesome piece of history from that little section of the building. Thanks for the info and video dude.

[@christmasmusic6208]

This just shows how not only the music industry but other professions can eat you up and discard you. People don’t give a dam about you , they only want what they can get out of you at your expense. When that manager or whoever separated him from the group and made him a solo act Frankie was DONE!!!! They use Frankie when Frankie couldn’t think as an adult when this happened. Like an old man filling a young girl mind up to get what he wants. Don’t know if this was a true story but it was said that Joe Jackson Luke to keep a whipping on his bouts to keep them in line but when tbe Jackson 5 made it big Joe was getting ready to put a strap in Michael Jackson behind and guess what Michael told him “if you beat me again I won’t sing anymore” guess what happened Joe Jackson stop the whipping because he knows where his money is and that’s MJ being the lead singer.

[@Spikedpistachio]

There are a lot more tragic stories in the entertainment industry than success stories.

[@JudiKerestan]

My hometown!!!! Hi all! I was a big Yankees fan too Katie! Stay warm!

[@torvlogs7390]

Great storytelling ❤

[@shayevondekempt8566]

You and Katie are so blessed and living the life. Thank you for taking us along.😊❤💖🙌👏

[@DazewithJordantheLion]

Very kind of you! We are very thankful we are able to do as much as we can

[@DolsieMercado]

That was horrible, getting Frankie hooked on drugs.

[@RandolphScott-i6k]

Inside the apartment hallway still look like it's in the 1950s or something.

[@teokalafat2175]

Love the video dude

[@thousands74]

Great video sir. I have been there many times while working in Harlem. Been in the apartment and all. I was the secretary for the ProBoards Frankie Lymon fan club.

[@GE.1962]

Welcome to New York folks! Great vlog Jordan.

[@shereewhite4828]

Wow, very interesting video. Thanks for sharing.

[@LukeWarmwater-yb5lx]

Very Entertaining and Informative, Thank You.

[@syreetaabney6968]

Great video this was nice to see and enjoy, thank you.

[@andywinslow9638]

You are a great story teller Thank you.

[@DazewithJordantheLion]

I appreciate that

[@KristenMitchelle]

Love it!! Merry Christmas, y'all, and God bless.

[@iamplaymaka]

I’m going to be directing a real movie about Frankie & the Teenagers. Not that crappy movie. (why do fools…) I’m connected to one of the Teenager’s daughters (Herman Santiago). This is cool.

[@DazewithJordantheLion]

Fantastic! I cant wait to see it!

[@peggyharris3301]

Great episode! Thanku.

[@laurenbyers6505]

Great coverage Jordan!

[@BigBrian]

Frankie lymon had a brother named Louis lymon that look and sounded just like him and was with a group called The Teenchords that put recorde out in 1957 - 1961 Louis lyman also sang with the Teenagers in later years and he died 2013 there are quute a few videos Of him on KZbin

[@roknrolbilly]

great seeing you guys as always..... sad story little frankie.....thank you from TACOMA WASHINGTON..your pall bill

[@jessicajohnson8378]

I love little bitty pretty one I heard it when I watched Matilda

[@rickyparrilla2426]

To bad we didn't know each other I could have shown you where the Ronettes started out at. They literally lived a few blocks from where Frankie Lymon lived. Hope you had a great time in NYC. Another great video. Thanks.😊

[@emotionlessjazz7277]

My old neighborhood

[@NYCgirl927]

Welcome to my city. Have a great time and stay safe.

[@normanbrown9225]

DIDNT RICHARD BARRETH Also Managed the CHANTELLS? My Favorite Girls Group.❤

[@Chopping-it-up]

Who would think that a bunch of black and latino kids from harlem would have the first rock and roll hit to go national. Its a shame that the junior high school they practiced in is not named frank j lymon junior high school

[@ResurrectionArt]

Good one ...Have you ever heard of Kay Nielsen he was an artist and his books and art sell for big bucks...Walt Disney was a fan and brought him to LA to work on Fantasia Nielsen died penniless and his grave is unknown would be a cool vlog to find that one...Kay Nielsen is buried..somewhere is California...what about Lee Marvin no-one does anything on him...or Humphrey bogarts house?

[@oldermusiclover]

Jordan by some way do you or any of your fans know who the musicians were that played on the Brille Building sessions have never been to find any names thanks

[@Nicoleflygrl81]

An older woman introduced him to drugs.. so sad 😢😢

[@annamartin1154]

Great and informative video.

[@C-Lyfe85]

Frankie's old neighborhood is probably so safe and gentrified today.

[@W.Y.L.A.T.V.]

Great video 🙏

[@sharonfrazier4217]

I wanna go somewhere😞 I wish you would sponsor a tour. People all over will want to go. Only thing, I know we are all from different states, but if we have several from the same state, we can get a bus ticket, dr😅I've, or the rich can fly, to your meeting point. I just did my first cruise, and the only reason I went is, my daughter presented it to me with air fare, (also my first), motel, and seven days to Mexico. Clothes shoes, every thing I needed. She did this to me, now I want to go, go, go!! Help!!!!😂

[@sharrigarvin3348]

Nicely done

[@joystratton4658]

I have visited this building afew times

[@ПашаЗаславский-ж4ъ]

What is the address of this "631" Belleclaire building? What street is it on? Would love to take a picture of it!

[@1lenny]

I have all of Frankie's music. I also have his brother Lewis Lymon & the Teenchords music. A great talent cut short.

[@Cz007_]

So sad that this young group of teens were taken advantage of and eventually all but Frank were done wrong. And its also sad, yet unassuming and plain his headstone is, like many other celebrities

[@SamMcKinley]

Neighborhoods them everyone knew each other.

[@vincebagadonis8016]

I thought he was buried on Hart Island as his body was not claimed when he was found.

[@MichaelCannady-d2q]

This is why you don't let kids get famous it takes over there parents to

[@sharonfrazier4217]

Where is Elizabeth Waters Phillips Lymon? She is the one I hoped got the cash. Did someone give him bad stuff?

[@ovetawilliams2741]

Sherman gardens is my godfather he come from East New York