Frankie Lymon was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who rose to fame in the 1950s as the lead singer of the teenage group “Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers.” Lymon had a successful career in music, but his personal life was plagued with struggles and controversies. One of the most notable aspects of his personal life was his multiple marriages and relationships, which ultimately led to complications surrounding his death.
Lymon’s first marriage was to Elizabeth Waters, whom he married in 1964. However, their marriage was short-lived, and they divorced the same year. The following year, Lymon married Emira Eagle, who was also known as Emira Lymon, and he reportedly had a child with her. However, their marriage was also plagued with problems, including Lymon’s drug addiction and infidelity.
In 1967, Lymon married his third wife, Zola Taylor, who was a member of the Platters. This marriage caused controversy, as Lymon was still legally married to Eagle at the time of the wedding. Lymon claimed that he had obtained a divorce from Eagle, but the divorce was not finalized until after his marriage to Taylor. The marriage to Taylor also faced its share of difficulties, including infidelity and drug addiction.
Lymon’s life and career were cut short when he died on February 27, 1968, at the young age of 25. The cause of his death was reported to be a heroin overdose, although some sources have disputed this claim. The circumstances surrounding his death were complicated by his multiple marriages, as there was a dispute over who was entitled to his estate.
After Lymon’s death, his three wives all claimed to be his widow and fought over his estate in court. Ultimately, a judge ruled in favor of Waters, who was Lymon’s first wife, as she was still legally married to him at the time of his death. This ruling was later challenged by Taylor, but she was ultimately unsuccessful in her attempt to claim Lymon’s estate.
The complicated nature of Lymon’s marriages and relationships has continued to fascinate and intrigue fans and historians alike. While Lymon was undoubtedly a talented musician, his personal life was marked by turmoil and controversy. The story of his multiple marriages and the complications surrounding his death serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of addiction and infidelity, and the importance of legal and ethical behavior in personal relationships.
Frankie Lymon had a successful career as a musician, best known for his role as the lead singer of the group Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers. The group rose to fame in the 1950s with hits such as “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” and “Goody Goody.” Lymon’s high-pitched voice and energetic performances made him a popular figure in the music industry and among young fans. He was also one of the first African American musicians to achieve mainstream success and appeal to both black and white audiences. Despite his young age, Lymon quickly became a recognizable and respected figure in the world of music.
