Bobby Vee (Robert Thomas Velline)
The North Dakota Music Hall of Fame proudly inducts Bobby Vee, a legendary pop and rock ‘n’ roll singer whose career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the music world. Born Robert Thomas Velline on April 30, 1943, in Fargo, North Dakota, Bobby Vee’s journey from a small-town teenager to an international star is a story of talent, resilience, and an enduring love for music.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Bobby Vee was born into a musical family of Norwegian and Finnish heritage. His father, Sydney Ronald Velline, played violin and piano, and his uncles and two older brothers, Bill and Sidney Jr., were also musicians. Growing up in such a musically rich environment, Bobby was naturally drawn to music from a young age.
At the age of 15, after years of persuading his brother Sid to let him join his band, Bobby was finally given the chance to act as the lead singer. Just weeks later, on February 3, 1959—a day now remembered as “the day the music died”—Bobby and the band answered a call from KFGO radio to perform at the Winter Dance Party in Moorhead, Minnesota, following the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper.
Rise to Fame
Despite the tragic circumstances, Bobby and his band, now known as the Shadows, took the stage at the Moorhead Armory and delivered a performance that would change their lives forever. Their impressive debut led to a meeting that night with a future agent, setting the stage for their musical careers. Shortly after, Bobby and the Shadows released their first hit, “Suzie Baby.”
In 1960, the group’s single “Devil or Angel” peaked at number six on the Billboard Charts, catching the attention of Liberty Records, which promptly signed Bobby to a five-year contract. Over the next decade, Bobby Vee became a household name, with 38 Top 100 hits in the United States and success on music charts around the world. His most iconic songs include “Rubber Ball,” “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “Run to Him,” “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes,” and “Come Back When You Grow Up,” earning him six gold singles.
Film and Personal Life
Bobby Vee’s music was not only popular on the radio but also featured in films, including C’mon, Let’s Live a Little, in which he played a leading role. On December 28, 1963, Bobby married Karen Bergen, and the couple had four children: Jeffrey, Thomas, Robert, and Jennifer.
Later Career and Family Involvement
After a period of stepping back from the spotlight to focus on his family, Bobby returned to the music scene in the 1980s. He and Karen organized the annual Rockin’ Around the Clock fundraiser at their children’s high school in Minnesota, which raised over $1 million thanks to Bobby’s connections in the music industry. In the 1990s, Bobby’s sons formed a rockabilly band called The Vees, who became Bobby’s backing band, performing around 100 shows each year.
Final Recordings and Legacy
Bobby’s final album, The Adobe Sessions, was recorded in 2014 in Tucson, Arizona, in a garage studio built by his daughter, Jennifer. It was a deeply personal project that reflected his love for music and his family.
Bobby’s beloved wife, Karen, passed away on August 3, 2015, from kidney failure. Just over a year later, on October 24, 2016, Bobby Vee passed away due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
Recognition and Induction
Bobby Vee’s contributions to music were widely recognized. He was the 235th inductee into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, the 1999 recipient of the North Dakota Roughrider Award, and in 2015, he was inducted into the North Dakota Music Hall of Fame. His legacy as a pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll and pop music continues to inspire and resonate with fans around the world.
