Bobby Vee American singer Date of Birth: 30.04.1943 Country: USA

1. The Life and Career of Bobby Vee
2. Early Years and Musical Success
3. The Day the Music Died
4. The Dylan Connection
5. I Remember Buddy Holly
6. Personal Life and Continued Success
7. Awards and Recognition

The Life and Career of Bobby Vee

Born in Fargo, North Dakota, Robert Allen Zimmerman, known professionally as Bobby Vee, was an American singer who rose to fame in the 1960s.

Early Years and Musical Success

Vee released his first single, "Suzie Baby," in 1959 under the record label "Soma Records" in Minneapolis. The song gained attention and led to a contract with "Liberty Records." His cover version of Adam Faith's popular song "What Do You Want?" reached the top of the Billboard charts. However, it was his fourth recording, "Devil or Angel," that brought him significant success. His international breakthrough came with the release of his single "Rubber Ball."

The Day the Music Died

Vee's career began on a tragic note, as he and his hastily assembled band agreed to replace Buddy Holly's team after the legendary musician's death in an airplane crash on February 3, 1959. Alongside Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and Jiles 'The Big Bopper' Richardson, Vee performed at the memorial concert that marked the start of his journey as a renowned performer.

The Dylan Connection

During the early years of his career, Vee traveled and worked with a musician named Elston Gunn. It was later revealed that Elston Gunn's real name was Robert Allen Zimmerman, better known as Bob Dylan. Dylan confirms in his autobiography that he was acquainted with and friends with Bobby Vee.

I Remember Buddy Holly

In 1963, Vee released the album "I Remember Buddy Holly" as a tribute to the musician who unintentionally helped him gain fame. Vee admitted that Holly's music had a significant impact on him. Each year, he performs at memorial concerts in Clear Lake, honoring the tragic day when Buddy Holly passed away.

Personal Life and Continued Success

In December 1963, Vee married Karen Bergen, a native of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. They have three sons and a daughter. Vee continues to perform to this day, embarking on concert tours worldwide. In October 2007, he embarked on "The Last of the Big Rock Shows" tour in Australia, accompanied by Leslie Gore and Billy Craddock. In 2008, he went on another tour with his band "The Vees," which includes his two older sons, Jeff and Tommy. His youngest son, Robby Vee, has also followed in his father's musical footsteps.

Awards and Recognition

Vee has received several awards for his musical contributions. He was honored with the "Roughrider" award from the state of North Dakota and was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Hit Parade Hall of Fame. Vee has been a long-time performer at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater in Branson, Missouri, and has appeared in the eight-hour program "Original Stars at American Bandstand," alongside Fabian, Chris Montez, Brian Hyland, and The Chiffons.