By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – 1960's teen idol Frankie Avalon performed at Thursday night's opening of the Italian Heritage Festival on Hertel Avenue in North Buffalo. But earlier in the day, Avalon met with local reporters to talk about his career in music and the movies.
Frankie Avalon said Buffalo actually helped launch his career and first big hit after he appeared in 1956 at Bishop Timon High School for a record hop.
"I had a song out called De De Dinah. That become my first hit. Honestly and truly, Buffalo really kicked off my career. I was at that dance that really kicked it off for me. So I have a lot of warmth for Buffalo. It started a whole life for me," said Avalon.
Avalon said his favorite song, that he still enjoys performing today, is Venus, a number one hit in 1959.
While his records were climbing the charts, Avalon was also acting in movies in the 1960's. He performed in "The Almo" and "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea."
But Avalon hit the beach, teaming with actress Annette Funicello, appearing in a series of movies about beach parties and surfing.
Avalon said he remains good friends with Funicello who is very ill and suffers from Multiple Sclerosis.
"She is just a fighter. She's had MS for years. It has been down hill for her. She has struggled and fought and tried all different kinds of treatment."
In 1978, a movie brought Frankie Avalon back to the big screen. Grease renewed his popularity with new generations.
"If you talk to a kid and say Frankie Avalon, they will say I don't know him. Then you say did you ever see the the movie Grease. You know that guy that comes and sings 'Beauty School Drop Out", well that's him. They say oh I know him, sure," said Avalon.
Avalon travels with Sorrento Cheese which sponsors Italian Festivals. He said he loves his job and finds great enjoyment in singing his old hits. Avalon has been performing now for about 48-years.