While his music career made him a household name, Pat Boone’s later years reveal a life devoted to faith, family, and new adventures. Here’s a look at how he’s finding meaning after the loss of his beloved wife.
Born on June 1, 1934, in Jacksonville, Florida, Pat Boone rose to fame in the 1950s as a singer and television personality, known for his wholesome image and charming pop hits. His career began early after winning a local talent contest, leading to appearances on variety shows like “Ted Mack,” “Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts,” and “Original Amateur Hour.”
By 1955, Pat had his first major hit with “Two Hearts, Two Kisses,” marking the start of a successful partnership with Dot Records. Later that year, his cover of Fats Domino’s “Ain’t That a Shame” became a massive hit, paving the way for more popular renditions of songs by renowned African American artists, including Little Richard’s “Long Tall Sally” and “Tutti Frutti.”
While his popularity with young audiences faded with the British Invasion in the early 1960s, Boone’s career adapted and thrived. He ventured into gospel music in the 1970s, releasing albums such as “Pat Boone Sings the New Songs of the Jesus People” (1972) and “The Pat Boone Gospel Collection” (1978). Then, in a surprising twist, he released a heavy metal album in 1997, “In a Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy,” even performing alongside rocker Alice Cooper, to the shock of many fans.
A Love Story for the Ages
Alongside his musical success, Pat Boone shared a remarkable love story with his wife, Shirley Boone. The two met at just 16 and fell deeply in love. When Shirley’s family planned a move, a 19-year-old Pat realized he couldn’t be without her. He asked her father, country music legend Red Foley, for her hand in marriage, promising to care for her. The couple soon eloped in November 1953, settling in Teaneck, New Jersey, where they raised four daughters within their first five years of marriage.
Beyond music, Pat earned a degree in speech and English from Columbia University in 1958, appearing in cap and gown on the cover of “TV Guide” that year, reinforcing his image as a clean-cut American icon. He then hosted his own weekly variety show, “The Pat Boone–Chevy Showroom,” from 1957 to 1960 and acted in films like “April Love” (1957) and “Journey to the Center of the Earth” (1959).
Today, Pat Boone continues to live a life filled with faith, family, and purpose, holding onto cherished memories of Shirley while finding new ways to connect with his fans and honor his journey.