Eddie Fisher

RIP Fifties Teen Idol Eddie Fisher

One of the most popular singers of the 1950s, Eddie Fisher, has died from complications after a hip operation. He was 82 years old. Eddie Fisher enjoyed seventeen Top 10 hits, including four No.1s, in the burgeoning pop market of the early 50s, just before Elvis broke. He was one of the first teen idols, a reputation initially boosted by his manager's practice of hiring young girls to scream at his appearances. He also hosted two television shows on NBC, Coke Time with Eddie Fisher and The Eddie Fisher Show. At the height of his fame in 1955, he married actress Debbie Reynolds. In the eyes of the media they were a golden couple, and they had two children together, including future Princess Leia, Carrie Fisher. But four years later his reputation was damaged when he divorced Reynolds to marry his late best friend's widow, movie star Elizabeth Taylor. With Elvis and his followers then dominating the music scene, Fisher's career was unable to recover from the scandal. "Late last evening the world lost a true American icon," a statement released from Fisher's family said. "One of the greatest voices of the century passed away. He was an extraordinary talent and a true mensch."