Bobby Vee was an American singer who is best known for hits like “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “Rubber Ball,” and “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes.” He gained popularity in the late 1950s and early 1960s and became one of the prominent teen idols of that era.
Personal and Family Life
Bobby Vee was born Robert Thomas Velline on April 30, 1943, in Fargo, North Dakota. He was married to Karen Bergen from December 28, 1963, until her death on August 3, 2015, and they had four children together. Bobby grew up in a musical family, with his father being a violinist and piano player, which influenced his early interest in music.
Career Beginnings
Vee’s music career started at a young age when he began performing country music with friends. His big break came in 1959 after the tragic plane crash that killed rock legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper. Bobby stepped in to fill a concert slot and soon gained local fame with his band, The Shadows. He eventually signed with Liberty Records and released multiple hits throughout the 1960s.
Death and Legacy
Bobby Vee passed away on October 24, 2016, in Rogers, Minnesota, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Despite facing health challenges, his music and contributions to pop culture continue to be remembered, and he is celebrated as one of the defining teen idols of his time.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1967 | C’mon, Let’s Live a Little | Jesse Crawford |