Born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Boone is a direct descendant of the American pioneer Daniel Boone. He grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, attended David Lipscomb College and began recording in 1954 for Republic Records. His 1955 version of "Ain't That a Shame" was a huge hit, selling far better than Fats Domino's original version. This set the stage for the early part of Boone's career, which focused on covering R&B songs by black artists for a white market. Previously, rock 'n' roll had had only limited exposure outside of the African American community. Pat Boone's pale covers gave attention to the more authentic original artists, such as Little Richard and Fats Domino and to rhythm and blues in general. In addition, the songwriters and copyright holders benefited even when individual artists did not.
In fact, only six of Boone's many hit singles were R&B covers, and only four of those were rockers. All were released in the first two years of his long career. These were "Ain't That a Shame" by Fats Domino and "Tutti Frutti" and "Long Tall Sally" by Little Richard, and "At My Front Door (Crazy Little Mama)" by the El Dorados. The other two R&B covers were well-chosen blues ballads, "I Almost Lost My Mind" by Ivory Joe Hunter and "Chains of Love," a hit for Big Joe Turner and later B.B. King that had been written by Ahmet Ertegun. By 1957, Boone was concentrating on the middle-of-the-road music that dominated his career. He never recorded another R&B cover.
Known as "The Kid in White Buck Shoes", Boone sported a clean-cut image that appealed to white [teens]] and parents. His singing style, a rich baritone, followed in the tradition of his idol, Bing Crosby. Preferring to carry on in the Crosby tradition, he soon began turning more and more to ballads. Some of his biggest hits included "Love Letters in the Sand" (with the instrumental break featuring Boone's whistling), "April Love", "Friendly Persuasion (Thee I Love)", and "Don't Forbid Me".
His teen idol popularity in the late 1950s was second only to that of Elvis Presley, and, like Presley, he soon tried his hand at acting. Boone's pictures included 1960's Journey to the Center of the Earth alongside Hollywood notable James Mason.
His recording of the theme song from the 1957 film April Love topped the charts for six weeks and was nominated for an Academy Award. Pat also wrote the theme song for the movie Exodus.
A devout born-again Christian, he was raised in the conservative Church of Christ, but has been a member of a Pentecostal church for more than thirty years. Boone has refused both songs and movie roles that he felt might compromise his standards, including a role opposite the decade's reigning sex symbol, Marilyn Monroe. Among his other achievements, he hosted a TV series in the late 1950s and began writing in the early 1960s, a series of self-help books for adolescents, including Twixt Twelve and Twenty.
The British Invasion effectively ended Boone's career as a hitmaker, though he continued recording throughout the 1960s. In the 1970s, he switched to gospel and country, and he continued performing in other media as well, most importantly radio. He is currently working as the disc jockey of a popular oldies radio show and runs his own record company which provides a much-welcomed outlet for new recordings by 1950s greats who can no longer find a place with the major labels.
Boone married Shirley Lee Foley, daughter of country music great Red Foley and singer Judy Martin, in 1953 and they had four daughters: Cherry, Lindy, Debby, and Laury. In the 1960s and 1970s the Boone family toured as gospel singers and made gospel albums, such as The Pat Boone Family and The Family Who Prays.
In the early 1990s, Boone joined Amway and spoke at many motivational seminars. He was also a distributor. He never reached the coveted Amway rank of Diamond.
In 1997, Boone released In a Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy, a collection of heavy metal covers revamped to fit his style. To promote the album, he appeared at the American Music Awards in black leather, shocking audiences and losing his respectability among his largest constituency, conservative Christians. He was then fired from Gospel America, a TV show on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. About a year later, the controversy died down and many fans, including Jack Hayford, accepted his explanation of the leather outfit being a "parody of himself". He was re-hired by Trinity Broadcasting and Gospel America was brought back.
In 2003, the Gospel Music Association of Nashville, Tennessee recognized his gospel recording work by inducting him into its Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Boone and his wife live in Los Angeles, California. They are members of The Church on the Way in Los Angeles's San Fernando Valley. His one-time neighbor was Ozzy Osbourne and his family. Boone's cover of Osborne's song "Crazy Train" became the theme song for The Osbornes. (It appears on The Osbornes Soundrack.) Osborne said that Boone "never complained once" about living next door to his less-than-traditional family.
Boone once claimed to use his own surname in lieu of curse words when upset.
In 2006, Boone penned an article for WorldNetDaily in which he argued that Democrats and others who are against the Iraq War cannot, under any circumstances, be considered patriotic. He also recently was interviewed by Neil Cavuto on Fox News, where he expressed his outrage against the opponents of George W. Bush (namely the Dixie Chicks) that their criticisms of the President showed they did not "respect their elders". Another article defended Mel Gibson after the actor was recorded making an anti-Semitic rant. Despite their differing political views, Pat Boone is friends with the Reverend Jesse Jackson.
Boone
Pat Boone Lyrics
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Every star's a wishing star that shines for you
April love is all the seven wonders
One little kiss can tell you this is true
Sometimes an April day will suddenly bring showers
Rain to grow the flowers for her first bouquet
But April love can slip right through your fingers
Sometimes an April day will suddenly bring showers
Rain to grow the flowers for her first bouquet
But April love can slip right through your fingers
So if she's the one don't let her run away
The song "April Love" by Pat Boone is a classic love song that describes the beauty and wonder of love in the springtime. The lyrics suggest that April love is for the very young, and that every star is a wishing star that shines for you. The line "April love is all the seven wonders" suggests that love is miraculous and almost magical, and that even the most amazing wonders on Earth pale in comparison to the power of love.
The lyrics also describe how April love can be fleeting, and how one kiss can reveal the truth of the matter. The verses about April showers bringing flowers for a bouquet suggest that love is like the changing seasons, with moments of sunshine and beauty followed by times of uncertainty and doubt. The final lines plead with the listener to hold on to love if it is found, and not let it slip through their fingers.
Overall, "April Love" is a beautiful and timeless love song that captures the essence of young love and the beauty of springtime.
Line by Line Meaning
April love is for the very young
The feeling of love in April is often associated with youth and inexperience.
Every star's a wishing star that shines for you
You have the power to make your wishes come true, especially in matters of love.
April love is all the seven wonders
The overwhelming feeling of love in April can rival the awe and beauty of even the most magnificent sights on Earth.
One little kiss can tell you this is true
Even a small gesture or action can affirm the true feelings of love.
Sometimes an April day will suddenly bring showers
Just like the weather can unexpectedly change in April, so can the course of love.
Rain to grow the flowers for her first bouquet
The hardships and challenges in love can actually nurture and strengthen the bond between two people.
But April love can slip right through your fingers
Love in April can be fleeting and easily lost if not carefully tended to.
So if she's the one don't let her run away
If you find true love in April, hold onto it tightly and never let it go.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PAUL FRANCIS WEBSTER, SAMMY FAIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@andreaisaacs8006
My dad n Grandad played these records every morning when I was a child. We grew up on Pat Boone n Jim Reeves! That was the late nineteen sixties!
These hymns encouraged us to Trust God Always.
@leogarduque
@andreaisaacs8009
I really do believe also that exposing or training children to listening to good music especially in hymnal songs contributes in their character development and religious beliefs.
@rollinsweetland4603
Beautiful touching old gospel songs,
@delynndehardt1859
When I was young I did not appreciate his artistry at all. Now I find it so soothing and comforting. A truly beautiful voice.
@josephchen3493
A record passes on to me from my father, who passes three years ago. I must say these Christian hymn recordings, especially Pat Boone’s soft and warm voice, has great influence bring me to become a follower of Christ. Thank you Steve!
@marthinwalean1680
Beautiful songs. I always listening these songs when I was a child. My Father always play the cassette tape on tape recorder
@floydblackwood6227
This was in my Father's record collection listening to it as a child help to draw me to Jesus Christ. Wonderful, inspirational hymns 🙏🏿
@maryhood983
Oh how I love these old hymns such a Blessing and what a beautiful voice
@yolandaestacion3054
Love always to hear PATBOONE''S golden voice ever!!! Thank you so much!!
@rowellhall4520
I was bought up on these music and they still give me the chills. Thanks soo much papa