Who Is F.R. David?

F.R. David is the stage name of Tolombehchi David Lappin, an acclaimed singer-songwriter from Tunisia. He enjoyed a huge amount of success in the early 1980s with his international hit single Words. His other popular tracks include Pick Up The Phone and Someone to Love.

Early Life & Career Beginnings

F.R. David was born in Tunisia in 1949 and moved to France at the age of 20 to pursue a career in music. After hanging around the Parisian music scene he signed a record deal with Carrere Records in 1981 and released his debut single, Words, later that year.

Success With 'Words'

The success of F.R. David's debut single was huge, becoming a major hit in Europe and even reaching the US Top 10 in 1982, where it peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its popularity was such that it was even featured on the soundtrack of the 1983 movie Flashdance.

Other Projects & Later Years

F.R. David released two studio albums during his career, 1981's Words and 1983's Long Distance Flight. He also released several singles and had a handful of other minor hits, but none that matched the success of Words. After leaving the music scene for several years he returned to performing in 2013.

Legacy Of F.R. David

Though F.R. David's career was relatively brief, he left behind a lasting legacy with his classic hit single Words. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, including Jessica Simpson, Boy George, and Boyz II Men.