We need to take a break today from our survey of Chanteuses to note the passing of Robert Thomas Velline, a/k/a Bobby Vee, who died yesterday from complications of Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 73. Bobby’s big break came as the result of a tragedy, the death of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. Richardson (The Big Bopper) in 1959. At the age of fifteen, he and a group of high school kids calling themselve The Shadows volunteered to play at the concert scheduled for the next night in Moorhead, Minnesota. The show was a success and led to Bobby’s career as a solo singer.
Bobby charted 38 times on the Hot 100, with ten of those reaching the Top Ten. His lone #1 was “Take Good Care Of My Baby,” which reached that position in 1961.
Bobby’s last Top Ten single was “Come Back When You Grow Up,” which reached #3 on the Hot 100 in 1967.
And, since it’s my blog, one more: my favorite Bobby Vee song, “The Night Has A Thousand Eyes,” which reached #3 on the Hot 100, #2 on the Adult Contemporary chart, and #8 on the R&B chart in 1962.
Farewell, Bobby Vee, and thanks for all the music.
That’s your two for Tuesday, October 25, 2016.
I had forgotten about Come Back When You Grow Up. Thanks for sharing. 73 is too young.
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He had 38 singles altogether between 1959 and 1971, but most of his success was pre-British Invasion. That’s a shame, because I don’t think he stopped performing, but you stopped hearing about him. And yes, 73 is practically a kid these days.
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Hi John – I too did love Bobby Vee’s songs … certainly different to so many … thanks for the choices … cheers Hilary
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That was the period of guys named Bobby (Darin, Vinton, and Vee). Love all of them; guess Bobby Vinton’s the only one left now.
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Nice tribute, John.
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Thanks. I didn’t want his passing to go unnoticed.
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It might have. I didn’t hear about it anywhere else.
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It was all over Facebook, but I’m guessing you don’t do Facebook or it was pushed off your news feed by election stuff. I wouldn’t have heard about it if I hadn’t been out there.
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I love these memories. Thank you.
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You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by.
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😀
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