Boney M was formed by German record producer Frank Farian in 1976, and the original lineup included Liz Mitchell, Marcia Barrett, Maizie Williams, and Bobby Farrell.
The group’s name, 'Boney M,' was inspired by an Australian TV detective series called 'Boney.'
Boney M's breakthrough came with the single 'Daddy Cool' in 1976, which became a hit in Europe and established the group as a disco powerhouse.
Their 1978 album 'Nightflight to Venus' included the hit singles 'Rivers of Babylon' and 'Rasputin,' both of which became international chart-toppers.
'Rivers of Babylon' became one of the best-selling singles of all time in the UK, and it was one of the first singles to sell over a million copies in the country.
Despite their success, Boney M faced criticism because producer Frank Farian provided the male vocals on many tracks, with Bobby Farrell performing lip-sync during live shows.
Boney M’s music was a blend of disco, funk, and reggae, and they were known for their energetic performances and flamboyant costumes.
The group's song 'Mary's Boy Child – Oh My Lord' is one of the best-selling Christmas singles of all time in the UK.
Boney M was particularly popular in the Soviet Union, where Western music was often restricted, but the group's songs were widely played and beloved by fans.
The song 'Rasputin' became a cult hit due to its catchy tune and lyrics about the infamous Russian mystic, Grigori Rasputin.
Boney M sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling groups of all time.
Bobby Farrell, the group's charismatic male dancer and performer, was known for his energetic stage presence, even though he did not sing on most of the records.
Boney M's popularity waned in the early 1980s, but their music has experienced a resurgence in recent years, thanks to its inclusion in films, commercials, and remixes.
Liz Mitchell, one of the lead vocalists, continued to perform as Boney M after the group’s original lineup disbanded, keeping the legacy of the band alive.
Boney M's influence can be seen in the continued popularity of their music at parties and events, where their hits remain dance floor favorites.