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Bobby Darin

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Bobby Darin was a famous American entertainer. He was a singer, a songwriter, and an actor.

1972 Bobby Darin show
1972 Bobby Darin show

He was born Walden Robert Cassotto in Manhattan on May 14, 1936. He could play many different musical instruments. These included the piano, drums, and guitar. He also played the harmonica and the xylophone. He used the stage name Bobby Darin for his music. People have different ideas about how he chose that name. One story says it came from a Chinese restaurant sign. Another story says it was inspired by an actor named Darren McGavin.

Darin's music career grew very fast in the late 1950s. He started by writing songs for other people. In 1958, he helped write the song "Splish Splash." This rock and roll song sold over one million copies. He also wrote the song "Dream Lover," which was a big hit. Later, he sang jazz songs like "Mack the Knife." This song stayed at number one for nine weeks. It won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1960. He also won the Grammy for Best New Artist that same year.

He was also a very successful movie star.

In 1961, he starred in a movie called "Come September." He acted alongside the actress Sandra Dee. They became husband and wife in December 1960. For this movie, Darin won a Golden Globe Award. He was even nominated for an Academy Award in 1963. He played a soldier in the film "Captain Newman, M.D." Darin worked with many famous Hollywood leading men throughout his career.

Darin's personal life was very complicated. He grew up believing his grandmother was his mother. He thought his mother was actually his older sister. In 1968, his family told him the truth. This news was very upsetting for him. He also worked on a political campaign for Robert F. Kennedy. He was at the Ambassador Hotel when Kennedy was killed in June 1968. These difficult events caused Darin to spend a long time alone. He stayed away from the public for a while after these happenings.

Even with hard times, Darin kept making music. He sang country music in the 1960s. He had hits like "Things" and "18 Yellow Roses." He also sang on the soundtrack for a Disney movie.

1972 Bobby Darin show
1972 Bobby Darin show

Darin knew he had a weak heart. This helped him work even harder while he was young. He died in 1973 at the age of 37. He passed away in a hospital in Los Angeles. He had just undergone open heart surgery to help his health.

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File:Red Skelton Bobby Darin Red Skelton Show 1965.JPG
Red Skelton Bobby Darin Red Skelton Show 1965.JPG
File:1972 Bobby Darin show.JPG
1972 Bobby Darin show.JPG
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