Bobby Helms American country singer Date of Birth: 15.08.1933 Country: USA

1. Biography of Bobby Helms
2. Early Success
3. Jingle Bell Rock and Legacy
4. Contributions and Later Years
5. Appearances and Legacy

Biography of Bobby Helms

Robert Lee Helms, better known as Bobby Helms, was an American country singer who achieved popularity in 1957 with his powerful Christmas hit "Jingle Bell Rock". He was born on August 15, 1933, in Bloomington, Indiana, and grew up in a musical family. He performed as a duo with his brother Freddie before starting his successful solo career in country music. In 1956, Helms moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he was able to sign a music contract with the label "Decca Records" founded by Edward Lewis.

Early Success

The following year after the deal, Bobby achieved remarkable success. His first single, the 1957 song "Fraulein", reached the top of the country music chart, making it one of the top 40 songs on the "Billboard Hot 100" chart. Later that same year, his recording of "My Special Angel" also became a number one hit on the country charts and reached the 7th position on the "Billboard Top 10" pop chart.

Jingle Bell Rock and Legacy

A few days before Christmas in 1957, Helms released his powerful hit song, "Jingle Bell Rock". Amazingly, for the next 5 years leading up to the holiday season, the single "Jingle Bell Rock" continued to sell successfully and always became the ultimate Christmas hit. To this day, this song is considered a Christmas classic. The composition held the 6th position on the "Billboard Hot 100" chart for 21 consecutive weeks and received a "gold" certification.

Contributions and Later Years

It is believed that "Jingle Bell Rock" was conceived and recorded alongside legendary guitarist Hank Garland. However, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the music guide "Allmusic" attribute the song to Joseph Beal, Joseph Carlton, James Ross, and James Boothe. Helms, a native of Bloomington, continued to tour and record new songs for the next three decades. He made significant contributions to the development of country music, earning him a place in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. He spent most of his later years near Martinsville, Indiana, and passed away from emphysema and asthma on June 19, 1997, at the age of 63.

Appearances and Legacy

Actor Brad Hawkins portrayed Bobby Helms in the 2007 biopic "Crazy" directed by Rick Bieber. Helms himself can be seen in the musical series "The Ed Sullivan Show" and the crime drama "The Case Against Brooklyn".