Sunday, February 12, 2023

U.S. 60's Teen Idols Who Are Called "Bobby" & British Invasion

Michael Bangar, a good friend, is an experienced Singaporean guitarist having performed for 40+ years with many pop bands. His comment below about the recently deceased Bobby Vee and the American pop 60's scene is insightful:

                                                           Pix: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

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1963 Bobby's Girl Susan Maughan 
YouTube video by: jaggme

60's Teen Idols:

"RIP Bobby Vee! Him and his kind - Brian Hyland, Frankie Avalon, Fabian Forte, Bobby Rydell, Bobby Vinton and were made pop stars by the American music makers. They were groomed to look clean cut. And whether it's a coincidence or otherwise, many of them are called Bobby.

The US establishment was concerned about early rock and roll for being too wild. The King, Elvis Presley was drafted. Jerry Lee Lewis (pix A) married his 13 year old cousin. Chuck Berry (pix B) was in trouble for income-tax evasion. Little Richard (pix C) became a church minister.

Buddy Holly (pix X), Ritchie Valens (pix Y) and P. Richardson or The Big Bopper (pix Z) perished in an air crash. Only Ricky Nelson plodded along. So these teenage idols became clean cut pop stars. But he too died at an early age of 45 in 1985, while Elvis at 42 in 1977.

The big bosses in the US were unaware that there was a
huge musical storm brewing on the other side of he Atlantic.  Then in 1964 it suddenly hit them. The British Invasion. All the music stars in the U.S. of A. took a back seat for a few years.

When all these happened and all these clean cut teen idols came along, the first generation rock and rollers got sidelined. Jerry Lee Lewis later when interviewed was quoted as saying, 'Suddenly there was a lotta Bobbys.'

Ha, ha. I love that quote."


Of course if you want to include Bob Dylan, that's seven singers. Thanks very much Michael for your lighthearted but true story.


Mike has an extension under the Comment page. Click at the end of this post.

                                                 Pix: A,B,C

Here's a side projection. In Singapore many fans of pop music would include their own surname and use them to request for songs on Rediffusion. 

For example one could hear a, "Bobby Elvis Wong" asking for Jailhouse Rock to be played for a girl friend called, "Sandra Dee Cheong".


Another called, "Bobby Rydell Tan requested a song for friend, "Rickie Nelson Cheng." And the list goes on.


So here's a quiz. Except for two who had passed away, the others are still around and in their 70's. In the above pictures, do you know who the Bobbys are? 


                                          🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤

Pix #1: 
Bobby Vinton (1935 @ 81), had more Billboard #1 hits than any other male vocalist, including Elvis and Sinatra from 1962 - 1972. Billboard Magazine called him "the all-time most successful love singer of the Rock Era."

Pix #2:

Bobby Darin (1936-1973), will have a musical in his honour. In September 2016, The Bobby Darin Musical, had its world premiere at Sydney Lyric Theater, Australia, featuring this legendary singer, songwriter and actor with an 18 piece big band.
                                              Pix: X, Y, Z

Pix #3:
Bobby Goldsboro 
(1941 @ 75), 
is well-known for his big hit Honey. It was the largest selling record in the world for 1968. With the hangover in the US after the British Invasion, it was one big feat.

Pix #4:

Bobby Rydell 
(1942 @ 74), 
a teen idol, was famous in Singapore for his big hit, Forget Him in 1964. With 34 Top 40 Hits, he received 5 Gold Disc Awards.

Rydell dies:

Pix #5:

Bobby Vee (1943 -2016 October). Click below to read:
http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2016/10/bobby-vee-rip.html

Thanks to the Music Enhancement Channel for this YouTube Video.

Pix #6:
Bobby Sherman 
(1943 @ 73), teen idol released 107 songs, 23 singles and 7 albums. Tutored by actor and singer, Sal Mineo, he became such a hit with the young ladies in the audience, their screaming gave him hearing loss. He was at the tail end of the era i.e. late 60's. 

The British Invasion:

Whatever the case may be all these teen idols made it in the pop music world. They had their fair share of the limelight for a while, hit after hit. Some evergreen classics are still vogue, until the British Invasion came along, headed by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Meantime there was this pop star sending musical shock waves across Britain, Europe, parts of Africa and Asia; it was Cliff Richard and his backing band, The Shadows.

Before the invasion their management sent them on a tour of the US where they were booed off stage. The press there accused Cliff Richard of trying to be a carbon copy of Elvis Presley. They did not make it in the US. Then the British Invasion hit them.
The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Kinks, The Who, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Herman's Hermits, Freddie and The Dreamers and their likes came along. Later Cream, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Genesis joined the game. They took over a huge portion of the world pop music scene for a long long time.

Popular music, as we knew it went through a tremendous change. In years to come the teen idols and their music became nostalgia acts. But we still enjoy them today.

(This article is a re-post from October, 2016.)
                                                   
Images: Google.
You Tube Video: Bobby Goldsboro, Honey.
Original article by Michael Bangar (pix: right).

Many thanks to Mike, who took the trouble to write about local music because he believes that we should tell our stories openly on Singapore60sMusic. Andy's blog is free.

To read the extension of this post, click Comment below.

16 comments:

BIRD DOG said...

They were well dressed & decent looking white male teenage idols whom every teenage girl wanted to bring home to mother. There were plenty of such look alike idols in the late 50's & early 60's. Others I remember were Rick[y] Nelson, Pat Boone,Everly Bros, Neil Sedaka & Paul Anka.

We even have our local ones like the Suriya bros. It was fun being an American teen of that era as shown in the movie American Graffiti with their souped up cars, drive in hamburgers joints with roller skated waitresses, drive in movies etc.

I remembered yearning to have this kind of lifestyle here. There is another Bobby V around & he is Bobby Vinton who is very old now. Sometimes I mix up these 2 because of the same genre of songs they sing.

Victor said...

I remember listening to Bobby Goldsboro's Honey on the late night radio show while waiting to fall asleep in the 1970s. It was one of my favourite songs which was soothing, touching and meaningful. They don't write songs like that anymore.

MICHAEL BANGAR (RHYTHMIST SILVER STRINGS said...

An extension:

Whatever the case may be all these teen idols made it in the pop music world. They had their fair share of the limelight for a while, hit after hit. Some evergreen classics are still vogue, until the British Invasion came along, headed by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Meantime there was this pop star sending musical shock waves across Britain, Europe, parts of Africa and Asia; it was Cliff Richard and his backing band, The Shadows.

Before the invasion their management sent them on a tour of the US where they were booed off stage. The press there accused Cliff Richard of trying to be a carbon copy of Elvis Presley. They did not make it in the US. Then the British Invasion hit them.

The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Kinks, The Who, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Herman's Hermits, Freddie and The Dreamers and their likes came along. Later Cream, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Genesis joined the game. They took over a huge portion of the world pop music scene for a long long time.

Popular music, as we knew it went through a tremendous change. In years to come the teen idols and their music became nostalgia acts. But we still enjoy them today.

FACEBOOK CHATS said...

Andy Young
So many BOBBYs.
Jerry Lee Lewis when interviewed was quoted as saying, 'Suddenly there was a lotta Bobbys.'

Alan Lucking
Andy Young I remember that interview.

Andy Young
Enelre hi, thanks for being the early bird.

Prasong Chiarakul
Vinton, Darin and Goldsboro

Andy Young
Hi Prasong, thanks again. Yes you got them right.

Andy Young
Peter Lowe
Norma Goodwin
thanks for liking the post.

Andy Young
Thank you Michael.

Judy Blinco-garland
Vinton, Darin and Goldsboro.

Andy Young
You need to click the connection to read who the other BOBBYs are.
Thanks.

Judy Blinco-garland
Andy Young it won't come up.

Judy Blinco-garland
Andy Young an your reply won't work either.

John Flaherty
Bobby Darin, could easily rival Sinatra. No1, IMO.

Ralph Harrison
During this era of pop stars we had a lot of teen idols, some where great others so-so!

Andy Young
Thanks for the likes.

Ronnie McDaniel
I was wondering if Bobby Goldsboro is still alive or not.
I remember his weekly show.

Russell Smith
yes still alive,79 years old now 🙂

Andy Young
Hey guys, like a fireside chat, only I'm way down in the East.
Thanks for the comments and informational pieces which make up that period.

FACEBOOK CHATS said...

THANKS FOR THE LIKES

Emily Norris
D Harry Angel
Frank Maria Hopkins
Barbara Gerrard
Faye Luck
Bruce Morris
Peter Lowe
Prasong Chiarakul
Norma Goodwin
Enelre Quindag
Russell Smith
Linda Joyce Pugh
Michael Ebermann

redspice said...

Commenting on the "Bobby's" of the 60's, you missed Bobby Curtola.
He had numerous hits.
"Fortune Teller",
"Three Rows Over",
"Indian Giver",
"Corrina, Corrina" and
"Little Girl Blue".
He also covered Richie Valen's song "Donna".

FACEBOOK CHATS said...

Andy Young
Here's a side projection. In Singapore many fans of pop music would include their own surname and use them to request for songs on Rediffusion.
For example one could hear a, "Bobby Elvis Wong" asking for Jailhouse Rock to be played for a girl friend called, "Sandra Dee Cheong".

Colin Colin: 🙂

Andy Young
Yes, Colin. Strange combination of names: I had a classmate called, "Frankie Everly Ong" and another, "James Dean Lim." They would request songs for each other over Rediffusion and Larry Lai would read out these names. And they'll be thrilled by these announcements.

You know it's like some people who love to see their names and photographs on Facebook. 🙂

FACEBOOK CHATS said...

Stephen Han
Like their voices

Andy Young
Stephen Han thanks, Yes.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Michael and Andy for all the Bobbys.

Here are two more US Bobbys from my collection:

Bobby Wood - I'd do it again

Bobby Fuller Four - I fought the law

Meanwhile, I have an EP by Lara & The Trailers with the previous owner's name written on the label: Elvis Cheong.

Regards

Steve

FACEBOOK CHATS said...

Jimmy Appudurai-chua
I value the autographed pic bobby vee send me. .. rubber Ball Jimmy x

Andy Young
Jimmy Appudurai-chua oh wow! That's somethin'. Share it on the blog if you can, with other autographed photos. Let's call it 'Jimmy Appudurai-Chua's Pop Stars Collection'. 🙂

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Anyone called, Elvis Cheong out there?
There's your own vinyl record waiting to be picked up from Dr. Steve.

Thanks to all participants for this interesting blog post by MICHAEL BANGAR.

FACEBOOK CHATS said...

Jimmy Appudurai-chua
Andy Young ha Ha I shall soon it was a hobby of mine collec6ing autographs and stamp's

Andy Young
Jimmy Appudurai-chua thanks, I'll be waiting, with hope up to the sky... 🙂

MICHAEL BANGAR [PROFESSIONAL GUITARIST/BLOG CONTRIBUTOR] said...

Aiyoh Andy!
Thank you so very much Abang, for reviving the interest...

CHIT CHAT said...


Mern Sheppard
👍 Very Good Singers . 🎶🎶🎶. 🎶🎶 ❤

Andy Young
Author
Mern Sheppard, hello! Agree. Unforgettable, truly!
Thanks for writing in.

Matt Port
BOBBY DARIN WHAT A TALENT

Andy Young
Author
Matt Port , hi!
And one of the best too.
Thanks for the comment.

Bill Jaquith
May they all rest in peace ☮️ I miss them all

Andy Young
Author
Bill Jaquith hi !
Yes may they rest peacefully but sing in joy at that other place. Blessings and thanks for the visit.

Andy Young
Author
Fantastic years listening to these Bobbys!
Reminds me of: 'When the red, red robin comes bob, bob, bobbin' along..."

Tanya Greenwell Reaux
Liked them all in my teens.

Andy Young
Author
Tanya Greenwell Reaux, hi!
Yes.
Truly entertaining singers.
Thanks for being the first to comment.

Rita June Nolan
Bobby Goldsboro

Andy Young
Author
Rita June Nolan hello.
Still a favourite today,
'Honey'.
Thanks

Rita June Nolan
Bobby Darin

Andy Young
Author
Rita June Nolan, hello.
Yes, my favourite is 'Mack the Knife.'
Thanks for riding the waves so quickly.

Isabel Young
Wow. Love then all.
What great music

Andy Young
Author
Isabel Young hi!
Yes, with much personality too, both the singers and the music.

Penny Strouse
But then there was...Cliff Richard❤😊❤

Andy Young
Author
Penny Strouse, yes!
The Brit Invasion with his Shadows.
Thanks for writing in.

CHIT CHAT said...

Alison Jones
All brilliant singers

Andy Young
Author
Alison Jones, hello. Yes, they are the best those years; good looking too. Appreciate your checking in.

Patricia Penna
Frankie Avalon is still alive I just saw him on Facebook with his wife and 2 dogs

Andy Young
Author
Patricia Penna, hello! Oh is he? I must check him out. Thanks for the tip.

Jeanne Pauly
When I was 12. I was in the Bobby Vinton fan club.

Andy Young
Author
Jeanne Pauly, hi. Did you manage to meet him?

CHIT CHAT said...

THANKING THE FOLLOWING FOR LIKING
AND LOVING MICHAEL BANGAR'S POST:

Lim Tin Leong
Sharon Green
David Norwood
Leann Culbertson
Gail Mitchell
JT Smith
Donna Logan
Keith Nickie Robinson
Cheryl Hale
Lewis Britt
Marie Naylor
Carolyn B Conway
Curtis Damron
Andy Bremner
Maureen Coombs
Charlie Whiton
Alison Jones
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Deb Hiebner
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Sebastian Valvo
Sharon Leyendecker
Edward Gilda
Joyce Deithorn
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Lynda McLeod
Jeanne Pauly
Chiew Hong Tan
Reggi Anderson
Mern Sheppard
Alice Jain Spray
Dennis Hayes
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Donna Rapp
Bill Jaquith
Bob Horgan
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Theresa Marie
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Claudie Hargrove
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