Bobby Darin Blog

Bobby Darin Birthday Tribute on the Radio and Internet May 11th

2008-05-05T10:30:00.000-05:00

DarinLand.com webmaster Michael Macomber will be co-hosting a Bobby Darin Birthday Tribute on Sunday, May 11th, 2008, from 1pm to 2pm, on WTSR 91.3 FM in Trenton, New Jersey. For those not in the area, you can listen live on the web from anywhere in the world. Just go to the station website, wtsr.org, and click LISTEN LIVE in big letters at the top of the page. Thanks to WTSR and Oldies But Goodies host Mike Piazza for making this possible.

Bobby Darin sings “This Isn’t Heaven” from “State Fair” (video)

2008-04-03T06:37:00.000-05:00

Check out a new Retro Video Blast on Retro Music Review:

Bobby Darin sings “This Isn’t Heaven” from “State Fair”

Click the link to see the clip!

Bobby Darin, Jack Lawrence, and Beyond The Sea (new interview)

2008-03-26T10:57:00.000-05:00

Bobby Darin Song File: Lyricist Jack Lawrence goes "Beyond The Sea"
"One day at the publisher's offices I ran into a new young singer with a distinctive style," explains Lawrence. "He was brash and a bit cocky, but rather refreshing, and his name was Bobby Darin..." READ MORE

Bobby Darin - Mack is Back DVD (review)

2008-03-18T09:50:00.000-05:00

I just posted a new review of the Mack is Back DVD to my Retro Music Review site... (Why not leave a comment while you're there!)

Bobby Darin - Mack is Back DVD (Questar; QD3180)

One of the earliest Bobby Darin DVDs ever released and still the best, Mack is Back showcases the many talents of the great Mr. Darin beautifully. The centerpiece of this disc is essentially a concert; an uncut version of the final episode of Darin's 1972-73 TV variety series. This would also be the last time Darin stepped in front of a camera before his passing late in 1973, and so it has a unique resonance... READ MORE

Bobby Darin, Jamie Coe and Addison Records

2008-03-04T10:12:00.000-05:00

There's a new article up on DarinLand.com. Use this link to see it...

Bobby Darin, Jamie Coe and Addison Records: An Interview with Marilyn Bond

Jamie Coe's manager Marilyn Bond talks about her friendship with Bobby Darin and about Jamie Coe's signing with Bobby Darin's Addison Records Label in 1959.

Bobby Darin on TV Tonight!

2008-03-04T10:11:00.000-05:00

Pressure Point, starring Bobby Darin and Sidney Poitier, will be running on TCM tonight at Midnight (that's 12am Wednesday). Don't miss Bobby's powerhouse performance! For more info visit http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?stid=17276

New Bobby Darin Decca CD Reviewed

2008-02-24T13:55:00.000-05:00

Check out a review of the new Bobby Darin CD from El Toro, "Early Bobby Darin," at this link:

http://darinland.com/Bobby-Darin-Early-Bobby-Darin-Review.html

Bobby Darin Decca Recordings on CD for the First Time

2008-02-18T15:01:00.000-05:00

Bobby Darin fans will have something to sing about this March, when the El Toro label issues Darin's complete Decca recordings on CD for the very first time. Entitled Early Bobby Darin, the disc includes both sides of every Decca single Darin released in 1956 and 1957, plus several early Atco tracks, with fun outtakes of "Pretty Betty" and "Don't Call My Name" thrown in for good measure.

You can pre-order your copy at this link:

Pre-Order the Early Bobby Darin CD

Here are the complete details:

BOBBY DARIN - EARLY BOBBY DARIN (El Toro; ETCD1018)

Tracks:
1 - Silly Willy (B Darin/D Kirshner/GM Shaw) Decca
2 - Help Me (C Coben) Decca
3 - Rock Island Line (L. Donegan) Decca
4 - Wear My Ring (B Darin/D Kirshner) Atco
5 - (I Found A) Million Dollar Baby (B Rose /M Dixon /H Warren ) Atco
6 - The Greatest Builder C Coben/M Gabler) Decca
7 - Don't Call My Name (B Darin/D Kirshner) Atco
8 - Timber (B Darin/D Kirshner/GM Shaw) Decca
9 - Pretty Betty (B Darin/D Kirshner) Atco
10- I Can't Go On (D Pomus / M Shuman) Atco
11 - Hear Them Bells (M Garson/B Kaye) Decca
12 - Talk To Me Something (B Darin/D Kirshner) Atco
13 - Pretty Betty (take 5) (Bobby Darin/Don Kirshner) - Unreleased
14 - Dealer In Dreams (B Darin/D Kirshner) Decca
15 - Don't Call My Name (take 3) (B Darin/D Kirshner) - Unrelased
16 - Blue-Eyed Mermaid (B Short) Decca
17 - Just In Case You Change Your Mind (H Patterson / M Bell) Atco

Bobby Darin on the Sonny and Cher Show [1972] (4 videos)

2008-01-18T15:34:00.000-05:00

The latest BOBBY DARIN VIDEO BLAST at DarinLand.com features 4 great clips of Bobby Darin on the Sonny and Cher Show in November of 1972. Darin sings Randy Newman's "Sail Away" and appears in comedy skits. Use this link to see the videos:

Bobby Darin on the Sonny and Cher Show [1972] (4 videos)

There's also a new POLL (Your favorite clip from this week's Bobby Darin on the Sonny & Cher show Video Blast.)

Check it all out at DarinLand.com.

Bobby Darin sax player Plas Johnson playing in Los Angeles on February 2nd, 2008

2008-01-16T15:17:00.000-05:00

Sax legend Plas Johnson, who can be heard on the Bobby Darin LPs Sings Ray Charles, Hello Dolly to Goodbye Charlie, Venice Blue, Sings The Shadow of Your Smile, and In a Broadway Bag, as well as many other famous recordings, will be appearing with his Plas Johnson Quartet on Saturday, February 2nd, 2008 at Charlie O's Jazz Club, 13725 Victory Blvd, Valley Glenn, California. The quartet also features John Gianelli on bass, Roy McCurdy on drums, and Jon Mayer on piano.

For set times and more info, call Charlie O's at 818-994-3058 or visit their website at www.charlieos.com.

Thanks to Jo-Ann from Charlie O's for this info.

Bobby Darin on The George Burns Show (1960) (3 Videos)

2008-01-11T13:07:00.000-05:00

The latest BOBBY DARIN VIDEO BLAST at DarinLand.com features 3 clips of Bobby Darin performing on an episode of the George Burns Show in 1960. Darin sings "Buttons and Bows" in a big musical production number with Betty Grable and Polly Bergen, accompanies himself on piano for an amazing version of "My Funny Valentine," and delivers a kickin' rendition of "Bill Bailey." To see the clips, use this link:

Bobby Darin on the George Burns Show (3 Videos)

There's also a new POLL (What is your favorite Bobby Darin single on the Capitol Label in 1965?).

Check it all out at DarinLand.com

Bobby Darin in Wagon Train [1964] (6 videos)

2008-01-04T08:17:00.000-05:00

The latest BOBBY DARIN VIDEO BLAST on DarinLand.com features 6 clips of Bobby Darin in the 1964 Wagon Train episode "The John Gillman Story." Use this link to see the videos:

BOBBY DARIN IN WAGON TRAIN (1964)

There's also a new Bobby Darin Poll: Check out a new POLL: What is your favorite Bobby Darin appearance in a Western? Check it all out at DarinLand.com.

Bobby Darin sax player Plas Johnson and Bobby Darin bassist Carol Kaye playing in Los Angeles on January 5th, 2008

2008-01-03T11:45:00.000-05:00

The great Plas Johnson, who played sax on numerous Bobby Darin LPs, including Sings Ray Charles, Hello Dolly to Goodbye Charlie, Venice Blue, Sings The Shadow of Your Smile, and In a Broadway Bag, will be appearing with his Plas Johnson Quartet on Saturday, January 5th, 2008 at Charlie O's Jazz Club, 13725 Victory Blvd, Valley Glenn, California. The quartet also features John Gianelli on bass, Roy McCurdy on drums, and Jon Mayer on piano. Rumor has it that the legendary Carol Kaye, who played bass on Bobby Darin's Lazy River, as well as other Darin recordings, will be in attendance, and will very likely sit in with the band.

Sets are at 8pm, 9:30pm, and 11pm. For more info call Charlie O's at 818-994-3058 or visit their website at www.charlieos.com.

Thanks to Jan Derrer of lostandsound.wordpress.com and Jo-Ann from Charlie O's for this info.

Bobby Darin is a Hit Parade Hall of Fame Inductee

2008-01-03T11:41:00.000-05:00

The first inductees to the new Hit Parade Hall of Fame have been announced and, not surprisingly, Bobby Darin is among them. The list of 28 inductees also includes Darin's old flame, Connie Francis, as well as Darin's good friend Paul Anka. For the full list, see below, or visit www.hitparadehalloffame.org.

The Hit Parade Hall of Fame was conceived in 2006 by radio executives John Rook and Gil Bateman, to honor hitmaking recording artists from all venues and walks of life. Starting in 2007, they began to solicit votes through their website, www.hitparadehalloffame.org. Nominees were required to have at least two Top 10 hits, singles or albums of any genre. Over 63,ooo votes were cast in 2007 to arrive at the final stable of inductees. Fan clubs played a major role in the voting, according to Bateman and Rook.

Here is the full list of 2007 Hit Parade Hall of Fame winners, as chosen by fans worldwide: Paul Anka, The Beatles, Tony Bennett, Pat Boone, Beach Boys, Teresa Brewer, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Chubby Checker, Jimmy Clanton, Nat "King" Cole, Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Bobby Darin, Neil Diamond, Fats Domino, Four Seasons, Aretha Franklin, Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Johnny Mathis, Ricky Nelson, Roy Orbison, Patti Page, Elvis Presley, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Neil Sedaka, and Frank Sinatra.

"We're thrilled with the response we've had from the public as we are still in our infancy and it appears that our voting numbers will grow as our young organization becomes more widely known," said founders Rook and Bateman.

The next step beyond the voting is to build a Hit Parade Hall of Fame bricks and mortar structure. Presently, the organization is speaking with two or three individuals and municipalities as to where to locate the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.

Meanwhile, voting has begun for the 2008 Hit Parade Hall of Fame inductees. This year, the Hall will be focusing on three decades, beginning in 1950. Besides voting for recording stars already nominated, visitors to the Hit Parade Hall of Fame website are also encouraged to suggest the names of future nominees. In 2007, fans gave the nominating committee more than five hundred names to consider.

Once nominated, a recording artist has three years to gain enough votes for induction into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame. A total of eighty-two 2007 nominees continue to vie for votes with sixty-two new nominees joining them in 2008. To cast your vote or suggest a nominee, please visit www.hitparadehalloffame.org.

Bobby Darin Arranger Roger Kellaway receives French Jazz Academy Award

2008-01-02T10:30:00.000-05:00

Bobby Darin's friend and arranger, Roger Kellaway, will receive the "Best Record Of The Year" award in the "Classic Jazz" category from the French Jazz Academy at a ceremony on Monday, January 7, 2008 at the Grand Foyer of the Châtelet Theater in Paris, France. The award is for the Roger Kellaway Trio album "Heroes."

Kellaway is best known to Bobby Darin fans as the arranger behind Darin's brilliant "Sings Doctor Dolittle" LP. He was also Darin's musical director from 1966 to 1968.

Kellaway's "Heroes" is a tribute to the great piano/bass/guitar trios of the past, including those led by Art Tatum, Nat Cole and, particularly, the great Oscar Peterson. "Heroes" is the second record from the Roger Kellaway Trio, the first being 2005's amazing Darin tribute, "Remembering Bobby Darin."

The prestigious French Jazz Academy Awards were first created in 1955. The college of voters is made up of 60 independent journalists, photographers, writers, and radio and TV producers.

Kellaway had this to say about the upcoming event:

"What a great honor it is to receive Le Prix du Jazz Classique for my latest IPO CD, Heroes. My guitarist, Bruce Forman; bassist, Dan Lutz and I give a warm and heartfelt thank you to the French Jazz Academy and its members. Now, of course, Heroes becomes a memorial dedication to the late and great pianist, Oscar Peterson. My thanks to Guy Chauvier and his Classical Jazz Committee. Also, my thanks to Academy President, Francois Lacharme, for his hospitality. I look forward to renewing our friendship. I will see you all in Paris for the January event!"

Get the Roger Kellaway Trio CD 'Heroes' at Amazon

Get the Roger Kellaway Trio CD 'Remembering Bobby Darin' at Amazon

Hear Samples from the Roger Kellaway Trio CD 'Remembering Bobby Darin'

Bobby Darin Rare Videos: Long Line Rider, Sixteen Tons, The Big Time with George Burns

2007-12-30T09:53:00.000-05:00

This week's Bobby Darin Video Blast at DarinLand.com features 4 rare clips: Bobby Darin singing Long Line Rider, Bobby Darin singing Sixteen Tons, and 2 clips of George Burns and Bobby Darin on The Big Time in 1959. Use this link to see the videos:

Bobby Darin Rare Performances (4 videos)

There's also a new poll at DarinLand.com: Pick your favorite clip from this week's Video Blast.

Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee in “That Funny Feeling” (3 videos)

2007-12-21T13:16:00.000-05:00

The latest Bobby Darin Video Blast on the DarinLand.com site features 3 fun clips of Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee in the 1965 romantic comedy "That Funny Feeling." Use this link to see the videos:

Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee in That Funny Feeling

There's also a new poll on the site, "Pick Your Favorite Cover Version of Bobby Darin's 'Early in the Morning.'"

Check it all out at DarinLand.com

Bobby Darin sings "I Have Dreamed," "Some of These Days," and "The Gal That Got Away"

2007-12-15T17:21:00.000-05:00

The latest BOBBY DARIN VIDEO BLAST on the DarinLand.com site features 3 classic clips of Bobby Darin, singing "I Have Dreamed," "Some of These Days," and "The Gal That Got Away." Use this link to see the clips:

BOBBY DARIN SINGS I HAVE DREAMED AND MORE

There's also a new poll (What is your favorite Bobby Darin Christmas single?) and a new Question of the Week (What is your favorite love song written by Bobby Darin?)

Check it all out at Darinland.com.

Bobby Darin and Tom Jones singing “Let The Sunshine In”

2007-12-08T16:36:00.000-05:00

Check out this preview clip from the upcoming "This is Tom Jones Volume 2 (Legendary Performers)" DVD, featuring Bobby Darin and Tom Jones singing "Let the Sunshine In." The DVD is due February 12th, 2008. Keep an eye on this blog for where and how you can pre-order it!

Bobby Darin hosts Alan Freed’s “Big Beat” (3 videos)

2007-12-07T15:44:00.000-05:00

The latest Bobby Darin Video Blast at DarinLand.com features 3 videos of Bobby Darin hosting the 1950s Alan Freed music show "The Big Beat." Use this link to see the clips:

Bobby Darin hosts The Big Beat (3 videos)

There's also a new poll (What is your favorite Bobby Darin TV appearance of 1967?) and a new QUESTION OF THE WEEK (What is your favorite track on Bobby Darin's "25th Day of December" Christmas album?). Check it all out at DarinLand.com.

Bobby Darin as Fagin in "Oliver!"

2007-11-30T16:02:00.000-05:00

This week's Bobby Darin Video Blast at DarinLand.com spotlights Bobby Darin: The Actor, with 2 clips. The first is from the 1971 TV Special "The Darin Invasion" and features Darin's marvelous performance as Fagin from the musical "Oliver!" The second is another riveting clip from the 1962 Bobby Darin/Sidney Poitier drama "Pressure Point." Use this link to see the clips:

Bobby Darin: The Actor (2 videos)

There's also a new poll (What is Bobby Darin's best single of 1964?) and a new Question of the Week (What do you think of Bobby Darin's performance as Fagin from "Oliver"?) on the site. See it all at DarinLand.com.

Bobby Darin Shop Shipping Problem Fixed!

2007-11-27T09:43:00.000-05:00

Greetings

If you recently tried to place an order in the Bobby Darin Shop at DarinLand.com and found that the Shipping Method wasn't working properly, here's why: USPS made more unannounced changes to their site, and our shipping module could no longer communicate with USPS.

This problem has now been fixed and everything is hunky dorey!

Thanks for your patience.

Bobby Darin Show 1972-1973 (4 videos)

2007-11-24T13:03:00.000-05:00

The latest Bobby Darin Video Blast at DarinLand.com features 4 video clips from Bobby Darin's 1972-73 TV Variety Show. Use his link to see the clips:

Bobby Darin Show 1972-73 (4 videos)

PLUS: Check out a new POLL (What is your favorite Jack Lawrence song by Bobby Darin?) and a new QUESTION OF THE WEEK (What is your favorite performance from this week's Bobby Darin Show VideoBlast?)

It's all at DarinLand.com.

Bobby Darin Clearance Sale ends THIS WEEK!

2007-11-24T13:02:00.000-05:00

Just one more week to take advantage of deep discounts on everything in the Bobby Darin Shop at DarinLand.com. The Bobby Darin Shop CLEARANCE SALE ends and the shop closes on 11/30/07.

ACT NOW before it's all gone! Check out the sale at DarinLand.com.

Bobby Darin Video Blast Update

2007-11-19T09:26:00.000-05:00

You might have noticed that the clips in the Bobby Darin Video Blast at DarinLand.com this week suddenly went missing. The original videos were deleted from YouTube and so we lost the links. However, we have now updated the Video Blast, including 2 new clips that weren't in the previous edition. Check it out:

BOBBY DARIN LIVE IN LONDON (1967)
(4 rare clips from Bobby Darin's 1967 UK TV Special)

Bobby Darin Live in London 1967 (6 videos)

2007-11-17T12:30:00.001-05:00

This week's Bobby Darin VideoBlast on the DarinLand.com website features 6 rare video clips from Bobby Darin's 1967 Live in London TV Special. Use this link to view the clips:

Bobby Darin Live in London 1967

There's also a new poll (What is Your Favorite LIVE Bobby Darin DVD?) and a new Question of the Week (What is your favorite performance from this week's Bobby Darin Live in London VideoBlast?). Check it all out at DarinLand.com.

Bobby Darin Atco Award goes up for auction on December 5th, 2007

2007-11-15T10:08:00.000-05:00

An internal award presented to Bobby Darin by Atco Records, in honor of 5,000,000 records sold, will go up for auction on December 5th, 2007 at Bonhams Auctioneers, Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge, London. The item is part of The David Gest Collection of Entertainment Memorabilia, which includes the largest collection of Gold Presentation Discs ever to appear at auction, as well as an array of important items relating to Film, Television and Popular Music.

To view the item listing on the Bonhams site (or to place an online bid), use this link:

Lot No: 231 A 1958/9 'In-House' award presented to Bobby Darin, by Atco Records, in acknowledgement of 5,000,000 records sold

To browse the full collection, use this link:

The David Gest Collection of Entertainment Memorabilia

Bobby Darin Musical News: “Sweet Dreams: Frank, Bobby & Dean” 11/15 to 11/17/2007 in St. Pete, FL

2007-11-14T09:07:00.000-05:00

Sweet Dreams: Frank, Bobby & Dean
November 15, 16, 17, 2007
at Pasadena Community Church, 227-70th St. S., St. Pete, FL 33707
For tickets and info call (813) 926-9175 or visit http://www.salernotheatre.com/

Things are really swingin’ at the world-famous Copacabana Club. In a debate over who was the greatest entertainer of all time, the heat really turns up when Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, and Dean Martin are all booked for the same night, including a special appearance by Jerry Lewis! Join the Salerno Theatre Company and the American Concert Company as they celebrate the music of the three greatest crooners of all time. The joint will be jumpin’ and your toes will be tappin’ all night long as Frank, Bobby, Dean, and the fabulous Copacabana Girls fly you to the moon and beyond the sea.

Bobby Darin on the Flip Wilson Show (4 videos)

2007-11-09T11:42:00.001-05:00

The latest Bobby Darin Video Blast on the DarinLand.com site features 4 clips of Bobby Darin on the Flip Wilson Show. Use this link to see the videos:

Bobby Darin on the Flip Wilson Show

There's also a new poll (What is Bobby Darin's best LP of 1962?) and a new Question of the Week (What recent film do you think Bobby Darin would have been great in?) on the site!

Bobby Darin Engineers: Tom Dowd (Bobby Darin, That's All, Darin at the Copa)

2007-11-07T11:38:00.000-05:00

To Bobby Darin fans, Tom Dowd will always be the man who put the bubbles at the beginning of Splish Splash. Dowd was a certified genius in the recording studio, an artist who's firm grasp of technique and technology made him a sought after talent in the music industry for over 50 years.

Born and raised in Manhattan, Dowd was the offspring of musical parents. His father was a concertmaster and his mother an opera singer. An exceptional student, Dowd excelled in math and science at Stuyevant High School, and graduated in June of 1942 at the tender age of 17. Too young for the draft, he went on to City College, studying during the day and playing in a band at Columbia University at night.

At Columbia he succeeded on two fronts, first by becoming a conductor, and second by being picked to do highly classified work in the university's physics laboratory. When he turned 18, he was immediately drafted and given the rank of sergeant, and was assigned to continue his secret work at Columbia—work that later would become known as part of The Manhattan Project.

Dowd's entrance into the music industry came as a result of being unable get college credit for his classified work at Columbia when he left military service in 1946. Desperate for work, he took a summer job at a classical music recording studio. And the rest, as they say, is history.

With his scientific background and sharp mind, Dowd showed himself to be a quick study in the studio, mastering the art and science of recording in no time at all. Before long, this young kid was the guy to get, if you wanted to make a great record.

His work at Atlantic included sessions with The Clovers, Ruth Brown, Big Joe Turner, Clyde McPhatter, LaVern Baker, The Drifters, Ray Charles, and of course, Bobby Darin.

He continued to work his magic in the studio right up until 2002, not just as an engineer, but also as an arranger and a producer, adding the Dowd touch to releases by artists such as Ornette Coleman, Dusty Springfield, Dr. John, Cream, Cher, Eric Clapton, and many others.

The 2003 documentary Tom Dowd and the Language of Music is a riveting portrait of the artist, his life, and career.

Tom Dowd (Selected Discography):

The Great Ray Charles (Atlantic 1259, 1957)

Bobby Darin (Atco 33-102, September 1958)

That's All (Atco 33-104, March 1959)

Darin at the Copa (Atco 33-122, August 1960)

Betty Carter: 'Round Midnight (Atco 33-152, 1963)

Nat Adderley: Sayin' Somethin' (Atlantic 1460, 1966)

Aretha Franklin: I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You (Atlantic 8139, 1967)

Cher: 3614 Jackson Highway (Atco 33-298, 1969)

Eric Clapton: E.C. Was Here (RSO 4809, 1975)

Chicago: If You Leave Me Now (Columbia 25133, 1982)

Bobby Darin Clearance Sale ends 11/30/07

2007-11-06T12:48:00.001-05:00

The Bobby Darin Shop at DarinLand will be officially closing 11/30/07.

The Bobby Darin Shop CLEARANCE SALE will continue while supplies last or until 11/30/07 whichever comes first.

ACT NOW before the shop closes! Everything is on sale at or below wholesale cost. Check out the sale at DarinLand.com

Bobby Darin sings "I Will Wait For You" (mp3)

2007-11-03T14:23:00.000-05:00

A romantic Bobby Darin number to heat up a chilly weekend...check it out at the DarinLand page on MySpace:

http://www.myspace.com/darinland

--Michael M

Bobby Darin Sings Gospel (3 videos)

2007-11-02T08:46:00.000-05:00

The latest Bobby Darin Video Blast on the DarinLand.com site features 3 clips of Bobby Darin singing gospel and spirituals. Check out the video clips here...

Bobby Darin Sings Gospel

Bobby Darin Shop LIQUIDATION SALE!!!

2007-11-02T08:13:00.000-05:00

Everything in the Bobby Darin Shop at DarinLand.com is on sale at or below wholesale cost. The shop will be closing down soon, and these prices are only good while supplies last.

Please note: the DarinLand.com website is NOT closing down. Only the Bobby Darin Shop is closing. DarinLand.com will continue to provide you with news, articles, info, and everything Bobby!

Why is the Bobby Darin Shop closing?
Various reasons, including the fact that some of our distributors have recently been taken over by larger companies. Many of these large companies are not interested in dealing with the smaller independent retailers, and focus mostly on the big names. Basically, we can't continue to operate the Shop at a loss.

Thank you for the support you've given to the shop, and to the site! Keep coming back for more Bobby!

Bobby Darin and Connie Francis sing Cole Porter's "You're The Top" (video)

2007-11-01T10:19:00.000-05:00

Bobby Darin and Connie Francis singing Cole Porter's "You're The Top" on Ed Sullivan in 1960. The chemistry between these former sweethearts is positively enchanting...

Bobby Darin Guitarists: Billy Mure (Splish Splash)

2007-11-01T09:20:00.000-05:00

Billy Mure, Guitarist on Bobby Darin's Splish Splash (1958)

As a guitarist, arranger, conductor, and composer, Billy Mure established a style of playing that was uniquely his own. His debut album in 1957, "Supersonic Guitars in Hi-Fi" on the RCA label, utilized multi-tracking techniques to layer 4 guitars, 2 sets of drums, and 1 bass player. He followed this up with the aptly titled "Fireworks" in 1958, adding a third drummer and a vocal chorus. The LP was his first in "Living Stereo," and featured 4 original numbers, "Firecrackers," "Dancing Guitars," "Guitar Theme," and "Crackerjack." That same year, Mure provided the guitar backing for Bobby Darin's first hit single, Splish Splash.

Born July 7th, 1915, in New York City, Mure picked up the violin at the age of 5, moved on to guitar at 7, and by 13 he was composing his own music. After leaving high school, he joined Val Ernie's band and spent the next five years playing ritzy resorts and clubs. When World War II came along, Mure enlisted and became a member of the Air Force band, where he learned arranging. After the war, in 1947, he joined the staff orchestra at radio station WNEW in New York. While employed by WNEW, he did a bit of session work on the side, for such luminaries as Helen Merrill and Della Reese. He also wrote arrangements for Reese (My Heart Reminds Me) and Bobby Freeman (Do You Want to Dance? and Betty Lou's Got a New Pair of Shoes.)

After recording for the RCA label from 1957 to 1963, he set out on his own, to form the independent production company, BM Productions. He also scored a hit on the Seville label in 1962, as leader of the band for the Marcie Blaine single Bobby's Girl.

Mure continues to play live to this day, still delighting audiences everywhere with his Supersonic Guitar style.

Billy Mure on Darin LPs:

Bobby Darin (Atco 33-102, September 1958)

The Bobby Darin Story (Atco 33-131, 1961)

Twist with Bobby Darin (Atco 33-138, December 1961)

Billy Mure on other LPs (Selected Discography):

Helen Merrill: Merrill at Midnight (EmArcy 36107, 1957)

Billy Mure: Supersonic Guitars in Hi-Fi (RCA Victor LPM-1536, 1957)

Billy Mure: Fireworks (RCA Victor LSP-1694, 1958)

Billy Mure: Teen Bossa Nova (MGM SE-4131, 1963)

Billy Mure Links:

Billy Mure's Official Site

Bobby Darin sings Cole Porter's "I've Got You Under My Skin" (video)

2007-10-31T07:26:00.001-05:00

Bobby Darin sings a kickin' contemporary version of the Cole Porter classic "I've Got You Under My Skin"...

Bobby Darin Collectors Choice Music Sale

2007-10-26T08:33:00.000-05:00

All Bobby Darin CDs on the Collectors Choice label are on sale at DarinLand.com. Great discounts on classics like Winners, Live at the Flamingo, and more! Sale ends 11/02/2007.

Bobby Darin sings Neil Diamond (2 videos)

2007-10-26T08:31:00.000-05:00

The latest Bobby Darin Video Blast at DarinLand.com features Bobby Darin singing two Neil Diamond classics, "Song Sung Blue" and "Sweet Caroline." Bobby's intense and dramatic interpretation of "Caroline" is astounding!

Check out the video clips at this link:

Bobby Darin Sings Neil Diamond

24-Hour 20% off sale on Bobby Darin CDs and DVDs

2007-10-24T10:02:00.000-05:00

Starting at noon today (10-24-07) and running until noon tomorrow (10-25-07) the DarinLand.com site has doubled the discount on all Bobby Darin CDs and DVDs, from 10% to 20%, when you enter code "darinlandsale" into the Discount Coupon space during checkout!

Chicago Tribute to Bobby Darin adds 3rd show!

2007-10-21T10:58:00.000-05:00

Great news for Bobby Darin fans in the Chicago area: After selling out 2 shows scheduled for October 26th and October 27th, the Skokie Theatre has added a 3rd performance of "As Long As I'm Singing," a tribute to Bobby Darin starring Dennis Tufano, the original voice of The Buckinghams. The third performance will be later in the evening on October 27th, at 9:15pm.

The Skokie Theatre is located at 7924 N. Lincoln Avenue in Skokie, Illinois. For more info and to purchase tickets, call 847-677-7761 or visit their website at www.skokietheatre.com.

Bobby Darin CD and DVD Sale extended one more week!

2007-10-19T15:12:00.000-05:00

Response has been so positive to the "Pick Your Own SALE" Bobby Darin CD and DVD sale at DarinLand.com, that it's been extended another week. Now through 10/26/2007, get 10% off your entire order. Just enter "darinlandsale" in the Coupon Code space during checkout.

Bobby Darin: Songwriter (4 videos)

2007-10-19T15:10:00.000-05:00

The latest Bobby Darin Video Blast on DarinLand.com celebrates Bobby Darin's songwriting talents. Check out 4 video clips of Darin singing his own compositions, including: "Rainin'," "Simple Song of Freedom," "Dream Lover," and "Splish Splash."

Use this link to see the clips:

Bobby Darin Video Blast: Bobby Darin-Songwriter

Bobby Darin in Pressure Point: Another Amazing Scene (video)

2007-10-16T11:01:00.000-05:00

Here's another amazing scene from "Pressure Point," starring Bobby Darin and Sidney Poitier. Darin's monologue in this clip is absolutely riveting...

Bobby Darin CD and DVD Sale: Just 4 more days

2007-10-16T08:41:00.000-05:00

All Bobby Darin CDs and DVDs are on sale right now at the DarinLand.com site. It's a "Pick Your Own Sale" ... just enter the code "darinlandsale" into the discount coupon space during checkout, and 10% will automatically be taken off your entire order. Hurry... sale ends this Friday, October 19th.

Bobby Darin, The Singles: We Didn't Ask to Be Brought Here/Funny What Love Can Do

2007-10-15T10:18:00.000-05:00

BOBBY DARIN: WE DIDN'T ASK TO BE BROUGHT HERE/FUNNY WHAT LOVE CAN DO (Atlantic 2305; 1965)

In August of 1965, after making 7 albums on the Capitol label, Bobby Darin returned to the studios of Atlantic Records to record his very first self-penned protest song, "We Didn't Ask To Be Brought Here." The lyrical tone was anti-establishment, the arrangement was fully electric, and the result was one of his finest original recordings. Darin had left Atlantic in 1961 for many reasons, not the least of which was a lack of control over his own recordings. Clearly, he was now fully in charge.

The B-Side, "Funny What Love Can Do," is another excellent original, reflecting Darin's unparalleled command of almost every musical form. This wailin' blues number could easily stand right alongside the work of Howlin' Wolf or Willie Dixon. Darin executes an agile turn of phrase as he flips his "drinkin'/thinkin'" refrain upside down on the second pass. His blues harp playing is, as always, brilliant.

WHERE TO FIND THESE SONGS

“We Didn't Ask To Be Brought Here” and "Funny What Love Can Do" appear on the following CDs:

As Long As I’m Singing: The Bobby Darin Collection

Dream Lover: Bobby Darin Sings

Bobby Darin: Sings The Shadow Of Your Smile/In A Broadway Bag (Remastered)

Bobby Darin sings “Night Song” (mp3)

2007-10-13T12:18:00.000-05:00

There's a new song up on the DarinLand page at MySpace:

Check out Bobby Darin's breathtaking rendition of "Night Song" from his 1966 LP "In A Broadway Bag."

Use this link...

http://myspace.com/darinland

Bobby Darin sings Rhythm and Blues (4 videos)

2007-10-12T11:24:00.000-05:00

The latest Bobby Darin Video Blast on the DarinLand.com site is a showcase for Bobby's talents as a rhythm and blues singer: 4 video clips including "Got My Mojo Workin'," "Work Song," "Midnight Special," and "Higher and Higher." Check it out at this link:

Bobby Darin Sings Rhythm and Blues

Bobby Darin CD and DVD Sale

2007-10-12T09:24:00.000-05:00

All Bobby Darin CDs and DVDs are on sale right now at the DarinLand.com site. It's a "Pick Your Own Sale" ... just enter the code "darinlandsale" into the discount coupon space during checkout, and 10% will automatically be taken off your entire order. Check it out at DarinLand.com

Bobby Darin Tribute in Chicago on November 4th

2007-10-10T09:12:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, November 4th, The Italian American Human Relations Foundation of Chicago will present "Beyond the Sea," a tribute to Bobby Darin. Check out all the details below.

The ITALIAN AMERICAN
HUMAN RELATIONS FOUNDATION OF CHICAGO
Presents
“Beyond the Sea”
A Tribute to Bobby Darin

Featuring
Anthony Rago
With
The Joe Vito Orchestra

Special Guest Performances By

George Walsh
Singing Perry Como

Sean Harris
Singing Sammy Davis Jr.

Carole March
Singing Peggy Lee

at the
James R. Thompson Center
100 West Randolph
Chicago, IL
Concourse Level

November 4, 2007, 2:00 PM

V.I.P. seating $75
General $50

For Reservations Contact
The Italian American Human
Relations Foundation
773-276-7800
Visa/Mastercard Accepted

More Bobby Darin at the Movies (3 videos)

2007-10-05T15:33:00.000-05:00

Check out a new Bobby Darin Video Blast at the DarinLand.com site: 3 new video clips from Bobby Darin's movie career (the trailers to both "That Funny Feeling" and "State Fair," plus a scene from "Pressure Point.")

Use this link to see the videos:

More Bobby Darin at the Movies

Enjoy!

Bobby Darin on The Jack Benny Show (1964) (4 video clips)

2007-09-28T15:55:00.000-05:00

Check out the latest Bobby Darin Video Blast on the DarinLand.com site:

Bobby Darin on the Jack Benny Show in 1964

There are 4 videos to choose from. Click the link to see 'em!

Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee in “If A Man Answers” (2 videos)

2007-09-21T08:40:00.000-05:00

Here's a little smile for your Friday: 2 clips from the Bobby Darin/Sandra Dee 1962 romantic comedy "If A Man Answers" (click the link to see the videos) ...

Bobby Darin Video Blast: Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee in "If A Man Answers" (1962)

Amazon deleting negative reviews of book containing false statement about Bobby Darin

2007-09-18T14:35:00.001-05:00

As reported a few days ago in this blog, author Michael Largo has included a completely false and possibly libelous passage about Bobby Darin in his book "Final Exits: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of How We Die." (The passage is reprinted below.)

Among the remedies I suggested for this situation was writing a review on the Amazon product page for the book "Final Exits," warning potential buyers about the author's representation of fiction as fact.

Upon visiting the Amazon product page for "Final Exits" today, I discovered that Amazon had deleted all negative reviews of the book "Final Exits." At one point, there were at least 16 1-star reviews, all pointing out the factual error about Bobby Darin in the book. Now there are none. This is censorship, plain and simple.

I suggest that anyone who previously had a review up on that page, pointing out the error, please go there and post it again. I would also suggest writing Amazon customer service, and expressing your displeasure at the actions of Amazon.

Here is the passage from Michael Largo's book again:

"Final Exits" by Michael Largo, Page 253

The entry is headed: "Overdose Roll Call The Seventies"

The one-line passage about Bobby Darin reads as follows: "1973. Bobby Darin, age thirty-seven, dies of heart failure while snorting cocaine."

Again, if you would like to help correct this egregious error: You can write to the publisher, to the author, and you can post a review on Amazon, warning potential buyers of this book that it contains fiction masking as non-fiction.

The author's address: finalexits@aol.com

The publisher's address: feedback2@harpercollins.com

Direct link to the product listing on Amazon, where you can post a review: "Final Exits" at Amazon

To add a review, scroll down to the reviews at the bottom of the page and click the "Write Your Own Review" link.

The Darin Estate has been notified of this situation, and has issued a statement that they will be contacting the appropriate parties.

Bobby Darin on 1960 British TV Special (5 videos)

2007-09-14T08:52:00.000-05:00

The latest Bobby Darin Video Blast on the DarinLand.com site features Bobby in the 1960 British TV Special, "This is Bobby Darin." There are 5 videos to choose from, including duets with Clyde McPhatter and Duane Eddy. Use this link to see it:

This is Bobby Darin TV Special (1960)

“Final Exits” author makes false statement about Bobby Darin (Part 2)

2007-09-13T09:14:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I reported in this blog that author Michael Largo had included a completely false and possibly libelous passage about Bobby Darin in his book "Final Exits: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of How We Die."

I have since heard from a few people who tell me they have read elsewhere that no such passage exists in the book "Final Exits."

To clarify, below is the passage again, with the exact page and heading.

"Final Exits" by Michael Largo, Page 253

The entry is headed:

"Overdose Roll Call
The Seventies"

The one-line passage about Bobby Darin reads as follows:

"1973. Bobby Darin, age thirty-seven, dies of heart failure while snorting cocaine."

Again, if you would like to help correct this egregious error: You can write to the publisher, to the author, and you can post a review on Amazon, warning potential buyers of this book that it contains fiction masking as non-fiction.

The author's address: finalexits@aol.com

The publisher's address: feedback2@harpercollins.com

Direct link to the product listing on Amazon, where you can post a review:

"Final Exits" at Amazon

To add a review, scroll down to the reviews at the bottom of the page and click the "Write Your Own Review" link.

The Darin Estate has been notified of this situation, and has issued a statement that they will be contacting the appropriate parties.

“Final Exits” author makes false statement about Bobby Darin

2007-09-11T09:55:00.000-05:00

It has recently come to the attention of this blog that author Michael Largo has included a completely false and possibly libelous passage about Bobby Darin in his book "Final Exits: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of How We Die." As part of a list of celebrity deaths, he states, "Bobby Darin, age thirty-seven, dies of heart failure while snorting cocaine."

There is absolutely no evidence of any kind to support this statement. The numerous Darin print biographies, as well as statements and stories from Darin's many friends and colleagues, make it clear that Darin did not use any kind of illegal drugs, and in fact, didn't even drink.

The information that Bobby Darin's heart was damaged due to rheumatic fever as a child, and that he suffered life long heart problems, and that he passed away after open heart surgery in December of 1973, is all readily available.

It is a mystery as to why this author would jump to such a ridiculous and factually unsound conclusion.

There are several ways you can do your part to help correct this egregious error: You can write to the publisher, to the author, and you can post a review on Amazon, warning potential buyers of this book that it contains fiction masking as non-fiction.

The author's address: finalexits@aol.com

The publisher's address: feedback2@harpercollins.com

Direct link to the product listing on Amazon, where you can post a review:

"Final Exits" at Amazon

To add a review, scroll down to the reviews at the bottom of the page and click the "Write Your Own Review" link.

The Darin Estate has been notified of this situation, and has issued a statement that they will be contacting the appropriate parties.

My sincere thanks go to Amy Hagstrom for first posting this information on the Bobby Darin Discussion Group at Yahoo.

Interview: Bobby Darin arranger Perry Botkin

2007-09-10T12:12:00.000-05:00

When you hear Bobby Darin swinging Count Basie-style on the "In a Broadway Bag" LP, this is largely thanks to arranger/conductor Perry Botkin. Botkin came into the project in the spring of 1966, with an intense desire to emulate the great Basie recordings he admired so much. One listen to the first five tunes on "Broadway Bag," all Botkin charts, confirms he succeeded beautifully.

"The Basie band always made me smile and often shout out loud," says Botkin. "I think Bobby felt the same way."

Bobby's rousing rendition of the Jerry Herman tune "It's Today" (from the Broadway show "Mame") is a fine example of Botkin's Basie-influenced approach. It is also one of Botkin's personal favorites on the album.

"It was the first song we did on the session," he explains, "and Bobby told me in the recording booth, 'Go out there and get the band swingin'. When you're satisfied with it, I'll come out and fit in.' Fit in? No singer ever told me they'd come out and 'fit in!' I ran the chart down a couple of times while Bobby listened in the booth. When everything was together, out came Bobby. Dave Hassinger said 'take 1,' I counted 8 beats, and off we went. Holy sh--! Bobby sounded like he'd been performing the song in Vegas for two months. He even duplicated what I wrote for the brass on 'Throw confetti, yeah.' Without question this was the highlight of my arranging career."

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW at DarinLand.com

Bobby Darin, The Singles: You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby/Sorrow Tomorrow

2007-09-09T10:23:00.000-05:00

BOBBY DARIN: YOU MUST HAVE BEEN A BEAUTIFUL BABY (Charted at #5)/SORROW TOMORROW (ATCO 6206; 1961)

Considering the immense amount of talent behind Bobby Darin's recording of "You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby", it was no doubt destined to be a top ten smash. Lyrics by the great Johnny Mercer, music by the incomparable Harry Warren, a typically ingenious arrangement by Jimmie Haskell, and a thrilling vocal from Darin all come together to knock your socks clear across the room. Bobby's "Whoa, you know, you know, you know you know!" intro sends shivers straight up the spine. He could do that better than any performer before and after, and he's still doing it.

"Sorrow Tomorrow", written by Brill Building legends Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, is a rhythmic lost love ballad, also arranged by Mr. Haskell. Here both Darin and Haskell show a different side. Darin's lamenting vocal seems to come straight from the Country Music Hall of Fame, while Haskell's arrangement is a fun and fascinating hybrid of pop, rock and country -- not rockabilly necessarily, but something completely his own. Very cool.

WHERE TO FIND THESE SONGS

"You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby" appears on the following CDs:

As Long As I'm Singing: The Bobby Darin Collection

Best of Bobby Darin, Vol. One: Splish Splash

Bobby Darin: Definitive Pop

Dream Lover: Bobby Darin Sings

Bobby Darin: Greatest Hits (Import)

Twist with Bobby Darin

Ultimate Bobby Darin

Very Best of Bobby Darin

"Sorrow Tomorrow" appears on the following CDs:

Bobby Darin: Things and Other Things

Bobby Darin on Rowan and Martin’s Laugh In (1968) (2 videos)

2007-09-07T13:29:00.000-05:00

Bobby Darin displays his flair for sketch comedy on a 1968 episode of Rowan and Martin's Laugh In. To see see these 2 video clips, check out the new Bobby Darin Video Blast on the DarinLand.com site. Use this link:

Bobby Darin on Rowan and Martin's Laugh In

The Judy Garland Show with Bobby Darin

2007-09-06T15:30:00.000-05:00

Just added to the Bobby Shop on the DarinLand.com website: The Judy Garland Show Vol. 7 (with Bobby Darin). This DVD contains two episodes from Judy Garland's 1960s TV series, including the December 29th, 1963 installment featuring Bob Newhart and Bobby Darin. In addition to Darin's now legendary "Goin' Home Medley" with Garland, Bobby also delivers devastating renditions of "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore" and "Canaan" (aka "I'm on My Way, Great God"). The other episode on the disc is a special all-Judy show from March 8th, 1964, packed from end to end with Ms. Garland's best.

For more details, click the link above or the image below.

Bobby Darin in "Hell is For Heroes" (movie trailer)

2007-09-04T10:50:00.000-05:00

Here's a neat little clip of Bobby Darin starring alongside Steve McQueen and Bob Newhart in the 1962 film "Hell is For Heroes" ...

Bobby Darin Video Blast: Bobby Darin on What’s My Line (3 videos)

2007-08-31T10:52:00.000-05:00

There's a new Bobby Darin Video Blast up on the DarinLand.com site: Bobby Darin on What's My Line in 1964 (with Bobby's good friend Jimmy Durante as Mystery Guest!)

There are 3 video clips to choose from. To see them, go to this link:

Bobby Darin on What's My Line

HA and bit of CHA indeed!

Bobby Darin CD Profile: Aces Back to Back

2007-08-30T15:12:00.000-05:00

Bobby Darin: Aces Back to Back (Hyena TMF 9324, 9/14/2004)
Producers: Joel Dorn, Jimmy Scalia
Format: CD (1 Disc) / DVD (1 Disc)

Tracks:

CD:
1. This Could Be The Start Of Something Big (Steve Allen)
2. Can't Take My Eyes Off You (Bob Crewe)
3. Song Sung Blue (Neil Diamond)
4. All I Have To Do Is Dream - [with Petula Clark] (Boudleaux & Felice Bryant)
5. A Quarter To Nine (Al Dubin/Harry Warren)
6. Alone Again Naturally (Raymond O'Sullivan)
7. Beyond The Sea (Charles Trenet/Jack Lawrence)
8. I'll Be Your Baby Tonight (Bob Dylan)
9. If I Were A Carpenter (Tim Hardin)
10. Simple Song Of Freedom (Bobby Darin)
11. Up A Lazy River (Sidney Arodin/Hoagy Carmichael)
12. Jive (Bobby Darin)
13. Rainin' (Bobby Darin)
14. Long Time Movin' (Bobby Darin)
15. Dream Lover (Bobby Darin)
16. Blue Skies (Irving Berlin)
17. Moon River (Henry Mancini/Johnny Mercer)
18. All The Way (Sammy Cahn/James Van Heusen)
19. Mack The Knife (Marc Blitzstein/Bertolt Brecht/Kurt Weill)
20. The Curtain Falls (Sol Weinstein)

DVD:
1. This Could Be The Start Of Something Big (Steve Allen)
2. Can't Take My Eyes Off You (Bob Crewe)
3. Song Sung Blue (Neil Diamond)
4. All I Have To Do Is Dream - [with Petula Clark] (Boudleaux & Felice Bryant)
5. A Quarter To Nine (Al Dubin/Harry Warren)
6. Alone Again Naturally (Raymond O'Sullivan)
7. Beyond The Sea (Charles Trenet/Jack Lawrence)
8. Mack the Knife (Marc Blitzstein/Bertolt Brecht/Kurt Weill)

Lost Documentary Footage:
1. Weeping Willow (Bob Shane/Nick Reynolds/John Stewart)
2. One of Those Songs (Gerard Calvi/Will Holt)
3. You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You (James Cavanaugh/Russ Morgan/Larry Stock)

Comments: "Aces Back to Back" is not a Bobby Darin hits collection, but something much better. Producers Joel Dorn and Jimmy Scalia have put together a wonderful set of previously uncollected live recordings, alternate takes, and clips from Darin's TV variety show. There is also footage of Darin working on a new song in the studio, playing with his son Dodd, slamming away on the drums, and talking about his fears, feelings, and goals. The demo version of "Dream Lover" alone would make this a must-have for any Darin fan. But this is only one of many gems on the CD part of the set: A gentle, unique and intimate rendition of "All the Way," a heartwarming and tender reading of "Moon River," a jaunty and kickin' take on "Blue Skies," an absolutely electrifying performance of "Quarter to Nine" -- "Aces Back to Back" is a bottomless treasure chest of Darin goodies.

Bobby Darin CD Profile: Two of a Kind

2007-08-29T08:51:00.000-05:00

Bobby Darin & Johnny Mercer: Two of a Kind (Atco 33-126, February 1961)
CD Release: Atlantic 90484, 9/21/1990
Recording Dates: August 13, 14, 17, 1960, Los Angeles, CA
Producer: Ahmet Ertegun
Engineer: Bill Putnam
Arrangements: Billy May
Musicians: Billy May (cond)
AUG 13, 14-John Best, Dick Cathcart, Manny Klein (tp); Ed Kusby, Bill Schaefer, Elmer Schneider (tb); Chuck Gentry, Skeets Herfurt, Eddie Miller, Wilbur Schwartz (sax); Milton Raskin (p); George Van Eps (g); Morty Corb (b); Ronnie Zito (d).

AUG 17-Same personnel except: Conrad Gozzo replaces Manny Klein on trumpet.

Original LP Sequence:

Side 1:
Two of a Kind (Bobby Darin/Johnny Mercer) (August 17)
Indiana (Ballard MacDonald/James F. Hanley) (August 17)
Bob White (Johnny Mercer/Bernie Hanighen) (August 13)
Ace in the Hole (James Dempsey/George Mitchell) (August 17)
East of the Rockies (Sid Robin/Lou Singer) (August 13)
If I Had a Druthers (Johnny Mercer/Gene DePaul) (August 14)

Side 2:
I Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jellyroll (Spencer Williams/Clarence Williams) (August 14)
Lonesome Polecat (Johnny Mercer/Gene DePaul) (August 14)
My Cutey's Due at Two-to-Two Today (Al Von Tilzer/Irving Bibo/Leo Robin) (August 13)
Medley: Paddlin' Madelin' Home (Harry Woods), Row Row Row (Jimmy Monaco/William Jerome) (August 17)
Who Takes Care of the Caretaker's Daughter (Chick Endor/Paul Specht) (August 14)
Mississippi Mud (James Cavanaugh/Harry Barris) (August 13)
Two of a Kind (Bobby Darin/Johnny Mercer) (August 17)

FROM THE LINER NOTES: "This album is based on an idea by J. Steve Blauner & Marshall Robbins."

Comments: Rarely has a record been more perfectly titled. Bobby Darin and Johnny Mercer are indeed "Two of a Kind", a fact made delightfully evident by their incredible chemistry on every one of these tracks. Trading quips, ad-libbing and generally cracking each other up, they sound like a couple of old friends kicking back on a sunny afternoon. The pairing of Bobby and Johnny was the brainchild of Darin's manager Steve Blauner, and the world owes Mr. Blauner a great debt, for bringing these kindred spirits together.

Bobby Darin CD Profile: Winners

2007-08-28T15:15:00.000-05:00

Bobby Darin: Winners (Atco 33-167, June 1964)
CD Release: Collectors' Choice CCM-403, 4/6/2004
Recording Dates: Feb. 1-2, 1960, Los Angeles, CA
Producers: Ahmet Ertegun, Nesuhi Ertegun
Arrangements: Bobby Scott
Musicians: Bobby Scott (cond, p)
FEB 1-Larry Bunker (vib); Howard Roberts (g); Joe Mondragon (b); Ronnie Zito (d); Jack Costanzo (cga).

FEB 2-Larry Bunker (vib); Howard Roberts (g); Joe Mondragon (b); Ronnie Zito (d); Carlos Vidal (cga).

SPECIAL NOTE: Above credits do not apply to "Milord" or "Golden Earrings," which were recorded at different sessions, as detailed below.

MILORD-June 20, 1960, NYC. Other info unknown.

GOLDEN EARRINGS-March 25, 1961, Los Angeles, CA. Fred Norman (arr, cond); Manny Klein, Clarence "Shorty" Sherock (tp); Marshall Cram (tb); Plas Johnson (sax); Israel Baker, Al Beller, Jacques Gasselin, Dan Lube, Erno Neufeld, Lou Raderman, Misha Russell, Marshall Sosson (vln); Armand Kaproff, Edgar Lustgarten (cello); Richard Behrke (p); Irving Ashby, Barney Kessel (g); Keith Mitchell (aka Red Mitchell) (b); Larry Bunker, Ronnie Zito (d).

Original LP Sequence:

Side 1:
Milord (Marguerite Monnot/Georges Moustaki) (June 20, 1960)
Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea (Harold Arlen/Ted Koehler) (February 2)
Anything Goes (Cole Porter) (February 1)
Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me (Duke Ellington/Bob Russell) (February 2)
Golden Earrings (Ray Evans/Jay Livingston/Victor Young) (March 25, 1961)
When Day Is Done (Buddy DeSylva/Robert Katscher) (February 2)

Side 2:
I've Found A New Baby (Jack Palmer/Spencer Williams) (February 2)
What A Difference A Day Made (Stanley Adams/María Mendez Grever) (February 2)
What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry (Walter Donaldson/Abe Lyman) (February 2)
Hard Hearted Hannah (Milton Ager/Charles Bates/Bob Bigelow/Jack Yellen) (February 1)
Easy Living (Ralph Rainger/Leo Robin) (February 2)
They All Laughed (George Gershwin/Ira Gershwin) (February 1)

NOTE: Bobby's friend and mentor, comedian George Burns, provides the laughter for the track, "They All Laughed."

Comments: With smoky, intimate arrangements by Bobby Scott and backed by Scott's 6-piece combo, Darin turns out the jazziest album of his career. This record is truly a milestone, not to mention a wonderful listen. Bobby is so cool, so smooth, so laid back, and yet so ultimately thrilling with his delivery. One of his best.

Bob Rozario leads Bobby Darin musical tribute in Las Vegas in October

2007-08-27T08:23:00.000-05:00

The following news comes to us from the DarintoDream.com website: Bob Rozario, former musical director for the Bobby Darin Amusement Company, will lead a musical tribute to his friend Bobby Darin, at the University of Nevada Las Vegas on Saturday, October 13th. The event will take place in the Judy Bayley Theatre and it starts at 1pm. Tickets are available from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Performing Arts Center Box Office, 702-895-ARTS (2787).

For the occasion, Mr. Rozario has arranged a series of Darin songs to present the life, legend and legacy of Bobby Darin as only a close friend could.

Appropriately, this is a charity event, benefiting the Nevada Conservatory Theatre at UNLV and the American Heart Association. Given Bobby Darin's well documented philanthropic attitude, he would undoubtedly approve.

Credit for making this tribute a reality goes to four very dedicated Bobby Darin fans: Sandra Jeffries, Lori Slinn, Teresa Sodaro, and Diane Twersky. Their tireless efforts on behalf of Mr. Darin are truly amazing.

Here are the full details:

Dream Lover: A Tribute to the Music of Bobby Darin

Relive the thrill and excitement of one of the world's most brilliant and unforgettable entertainers!

With Musical Director Bob Rozario and the Bob Rozario Ensemble

Saturday, October 13, 2007, 1:00 p.m.

Judy Bayley Theatre
University of Nevada Las Vegas

Proceeds to benefit the Nevada Conservatory Theatre at UNLV and the American Heart Association

For tickets, call the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Performing Arts Center Box Office, 702-895-ARTS (2787)

Once again, thanks to Diane Twersky and her fantastic website, DarintoDream.com, for this information.

Bobby Darin at the Movies (4 video clips)

2007-08-24T07:53:00.000-05:00

There's a new Bobby Darin Video Blast up on the DarinLand.com site: Bobby Darin at the Movies. You can choose from 4 different clips, including Darin's ultra-cool appearance in the 1960 film "Pepe" and the "Ratatouille" trailer featuring Darin singing "Once in a Lifetime." Just use this link:

Bobby Darin at the Movies

HA CHA!

Bobby Darin CD Profile: That’s All

2007-08-23T15:38:00.000-05:00

Bobby Darin: That's All (Atco 33-104, March 1959)
CD Release: Atlantic 82627, 6/24/1994
Recording Dates: December 19, 22, 24, 1958, NYC
Producers: Ahmet Ertegun, Nesuhi Ertegun, Jerry Wexler
Engineers: Tom Dowd, Carl Lustig, Herb Kaplan, Heinz Kubicka
Arrangements: Richard Wess
Musicians: Richard Wess (cond)
DEC 19-Joe Cabot, Jimmy Nottingham, Bernie Privin, Doc Severinsen (tp); Morton Bullman, Harry DiVito, Bob McGarity, Frank Rehak (tb); George Berg, Romeo Penque, Jerome Richardson, Jerry Sanfino, Joe Soldo (reeds); Hank Jones (p); Al Caiola (g); Eddie Safranski (b); Don Lamond (d); Phil Kraus, Terry Snyder (per).

DEC 22-George Berg, Romeo Penque (reeds); Isadore Zir (vla); Maurice Brown, Henry Pakaln (cello); Morris Stonzek (cello?); Moe Wechsler (p, cello); Mundell Lowe (g); Eddie Safranski (b); Bobby Rosengarden (d); unidentified 12 violins.

DEC 24-Joe Cabot, Mel Davis, Al DeRisi, Doc Severinsen (tp); Billy Byers, Cutty Cutshall, Frank Rehak, Chauncey Welsch (tb); Leon Cohen, Walt Levinsky, Seldon Powell, Jerry Sanfino (reeds); Moe Wechsler (p); Mundell Lowe (g); Eddie Safranski (b); Don Lamond (d); unidentified 8 strings.

Original LP Sequence:

Side 1:
Mack the Knife (Kurt Weill/Bertolt Brecht/Marc Blitzstein) (December 19)
Beyond the Sea (Charles Trenet/Jack Lawrence) (December 24)
Through a Long and Sleepless Night (Alfred Newman/Mack Gordon) (December 22)
Softly As in a Morning Sunrise (Oscar Hammerstein/Sigmund Romberg) (December 19)
She Needs Me (Arthur Hamilton) (December 22)
It Ain't Necessarily So (George Gershwin/Ira Gershwin) (December 24)

Side 2:
I'll Remember April (Gene DePaul/Don Raye/Pat Johnson) (December 24)
That's the Way Love Is (Bobby Darin) (December 19)
Was There a Call For Me (Woody Harris/Marty Holmes) (December 22)
Some of These Days (Shelton Brooks) (December 24)
Where Is the One (Edwin Finckel/Alec Wilder) (December 22)
That's All (Bob Haymes/Alan Brandt) (December 19)

Comments: Bobby Darin was a visionary. After the chart-topping success of "Splish Splash", he longed to make a record of standards. His label refused to finance it, so in 1959 he took his own profits from "Splash" and paid for the recording session himself. The result? He became the first artist in history to make a successful transition from rock n' roll to standards. "That's All" is a testament to the dynamic duo of Darin and arranger/conductor Richard Wess. Together they produced a record that generated two hit singles ("Mack the Knife" and "Beyond the Sea") and proved that Darin had the pipes and the sensiblities to be a legendary crooner.

Bobby Darin CD Profile: Bobby Darin Sings Ray Charles

2007-08-22T14:13:00.000-05:00

Bobby Darin Sings Ray Charles (Atco 33-140, March 1962)
CD Release: Collectors' Choice CCM-401, 3/9/2004
Recording Dates: November 7, 8, 10, 14, 1961, Los Angeles, CA
Producer: Ahmet Ertegun
Arrangements: Jimmie Haskell
Musicians: Jimmie Haskell (cond, p?); Plas Johnson, Nino Tempo (sax); Red Callender (b); Earl Palmer (d); Darlene Love, the Blossoms (backing vocs).

Side 1:
What'd I Say (Ray Charles) (November 7)
I Got A Woman (Ray Charles/Renald Richard) (November 14)
Tell All The World About You (Ray Charles/Percy Mayfield) (November 7)
Tell Me How Do You Feel (Ray Charles) (November 7)
My Bonnie (Ray Charles) (November 7)

Side 2:
The Right Time (Lew Herman) (November 8)
Hallelujah I Love Her So (Ray Charles) (November 10)
Leave My Woman Alone (Ray Charles) (November 10)
Ain't That Love (Ray Charles) (November 10)
Drown In My Own Tears (Henry Glover) (November 8)
That's Enough (Ray Charles) (November 14)

NOTE: The backing vocal group for this LP, The Blossoms, had previously backed up Ray Charles in the mid-1950s.

Comments: Bobby's tribute to his idol Ray Charles packs a soulful punch that is positively astounding. Bobby understood this music, felt it down to his toes, and he gives these tunes the bluesy cry and rave-up shout they deserve. Jimmie Haskell's arrangements do both Bobby and Ray proud. Pure gold. Includes liner notes by Jimmie Haskell.

Bobby Darin CD Profile: Darin at the Copa

2007-08-20T13:23:00.000-05:00

Bobby Darin: Darin at the Copa (Atco 33-122, August 1960)
CD Release: Atlantic 82629, 6/24/1994
Recording Dates: June 15-16, 1960, Live at the Copacabana in NYC
Producers: Ahmet Ertegun, Nesuhi Ertegun
Engineers: Tom Dowd, Phil Iehle
Arrangements: Richard Berke*, Buddy Bregman**, Bobby Scott***, Richard Wess****
Musicians: Paul Shelley's Copacabana Orchestra conducted by Richard Behrke; Richard Behrke (p); Ronnie Zito (d); other details unknown.

Original LP Sequence:

Side 1:
****Medley: Swing Low Sweet Chariot (Traditional), Lonesome Road (Gene Austin/Nathaniel Shilkret)
****Some of These Days (Shelton Brooks)
****Mack the Knife (Kurt Weill/Bertolt Brecht/Marc Blitzstein)
***Love for Sale (Cole Porter)
**Clementine (Woody Harris)
*You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To (Cole Porter)
****Dream Lover (Bobby Darin)

Side 2:
***Bill Bailey (Traditional)
**I Have Dreamed (Richard Rodgers/Oscar Hammerstein)
**I Can't Give You Anything But Love (Dorothy Fields/Jimmy McHugh)
Alright, O.K., You Win (Sid Wyche/Mamie Watts)
*Medley: By Myself (Howard Dietz/Arthur Schwartz)/When Your Lover Has Gone (E.A. Swan)
I Got a Woman (Ray Charles/Renald Richard)
****That's All (Bob Haymes/Alan Brandt)

Comments: Following on the heels of his breakthrough 1959 standards record "That's All", 22-year-old Bobby Darin realized yet another one of his career goals when he played the stage of the legendary Copacabana in New York City to standing-room-only crowds. The kid who had achieved a hit with the rock novelty tune "Splish Splash" suddenly became "Mr Showman of 1960" (Gene Knight, New York Journal-American). "Darin is no freak of the rock n' roll variety and no callow crooner with contempt for his audience, but a genuine star, showman and entertainer," declared Lee Mortimer of the New York Mirror. In fact, the accolades for Darin's Copa debut flowed more freely than champagne at a Broadway opening night. One of Darin's biggest admirers, Walter Winchell, summed it up nicely: "Darin received so many wires of congrats that Western Union told him 'you hold the record for telegrams in one night'." Critics and stars were falling over themselves to compliment Bobby's talent--and listening to this record, it's easy to understand why. Darin knocks the Copa audience for a loop, gaining their respect in the process. Along with the aforementioned "That's All", this album is a must have for any Darin fan.

Bobby Darin CD Profile: The Curtain Falls, Live at the Flamingo

2007-08-19T09:29:00.000-05:00

Bobby Darin: The Curtain Falls, Live at the Flamingo [CD] (Collectors Choice CCM-171, April 10, 2001)
Recording Dates: November 9, 1963
Arrangers: Bob Florence*, Billy May**

1. *Intro/Hello Young Lovers (Richard Rodgers/Oscar Hammerstein II)
2. **Ace In The Hole (James Dempsey/George Mitchell)
3. You're Nobody 'Till Somebody Loves You
4. Hits Medley: Splish Splash (Bobby Darin/Jean Murray)/Beyond The Sea (Charles Trenet/Jack Lawrence)/Artificial Flowers (Jerry Bock/Sheldon Harnick)/Clementine (Woody Harris)
5. My Funny Valentine (Richard Rodgers/Lorenz Hart)
6. I Walk The Line (Parody) (John R. Cash)
7. 18 Yellow Roses (Bobby Darin)
8. Mack The Knife (Kurt Weill/Bertolt Brecht/Marc Blitzstein)
9. Comedy Routine
10. Work Song (Nat Adderley/Oscar Brown, Jr.)
11. Michael (Row The Boat Ashore) (Traditional)
12. Mary Don't You Weep (Traditional)
13. I'm On My Way Great God (Traditional)
14. The Curtain Falls (Sol Weinstein)

NOTE: This album was re-issued in 2005 as "Live From Las Vegas", on the Capitol label. Both CDs contain exactly the same 14 tracks.

Comments: Bobby Darin could electrify an audience like no other performer, and this November 1963 engagement at the Flamingo shows him at the height of his considerable powers. Darin comes charging out with a high-energy rendition of "Hello Young Lovers", follows it up with a sly and funny reading of "Ace in the Hole" (from his "Two of a Kind" collaboration with the legendary Johnny Mercer), then slides deftly into the more gentle and romantic "You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You". Other highlights include the Darin-penned tune "18 Yellow Roses" (this live version is considered by many to be superior to the studio cut), an amazing performance of Nat Adderley and Oscar Brown Jr.'s "Work Song", and of course, the show-stopping title tune, "The Curtain Falls". Peppered throughout is Darin's easygoing stage banter and legendary sense of humor. This is not just a gem--it's a gem of blinding brilliance.

Bobby Darin: If I Were a Carpenter (5 videos)

2007-08-17T11:46:00.000-05:00

I just added something new to the weekly Bobby Darin Video Blast at DarinLand.com: a multi-video player, allowing you to choose from several different videos to view each week. This week's Video Blast is "Bobby Darin: If I Were a Carpenter." You can choose from 5 different versions, including a duet with Stevie Wonder. To see it, use this link: Bobby Darin Video Blast.

HA CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Bobby Darin CD Profile: Sings the Shadow of Your Smile/In a Broadway Bag

2007-08-16T15:27:00.000-05:00

Bobby Darin Sings The Shadow of Your Smile (Atlantic 8121, April 1966)
CD Release: Edsel EDSS1012, 07/10/2007; Disky HR 902614, 12/14/2004
Recording Dates: December 13-15, 1965, Los Angeles, CA; February 4, 1966, Las Vegas, NV; March 23, 1966, Los Angeles, CA
Producer: Bobby Darin
Engineer: Walt Payne
Arrangements: Richard Wess*, Shorty Rogers**
Musicians:
DEC 13-Richard Wess (cond); Conte Candoli, Don Fagerquist, Al Porcino, Clarence "Shorty" Sherock (tp); Urbie Green, Lew McCreary, Dick Nash, Tom Shepard (tb); Plas Johnson, Wilbur Schwartz, Bud Shank (sax); Bill Hood (sax, cl); Israel Baker, Harry Bluestone, James Getzoff, Jack Lee, Alfred Lustgarten, Erno Neufeld, Ralph Schaeffer, Marshall Sosson (vln); Louis Kievman, Milton Thomas (vla); William Van Den Berg, Harold Schneier (cello); Jimmy Rowles (p); Bill Pittman, Tom Tedesco (g); Max Bennett (b); Jack Sperling (d); Milt Holland (cga); Sam Kaplan (string dir).

DEC 14-Richard Wess (cond); Bud Brisbois, Pete Candoli, Don Fagerquist, Lee Katzman (tp); Gilbert Falco, Urbie Green, George Roberts, Lloyd Ulyate (tb); Plas Johnson, Ronald Langinger, Jack Nimitz, Wilbur Schwartz (sax); Jimmy Rowles (p); Bill Pittman, Howard Roberts (g); Max Bennett (b); Jack Spering (d); Emil Richards (cga); Jack Lee (string dir).

DEC 15-Richard Wess (cond); Aubrey Bouck, Sinclair Lott, Richard Mackey, Alan Robinson (frh); Harry Klee, Wilbur Schwartz (sax, fl); Norman Benno (sax, cl); Howard Terry (sax, bcl); Alex Beller, Harry Bluestone, Sam Caplan, Jacques Gasselin, Anatol Kaminsky, Nathan Kaproff, William Kurash, Carl Lavagna, Erno Neufeld, Wilbert Nuttycombe, Nathan Ross, Ralph Schaeffer (vln); Louis Kievman, Gary Nuttycombe, Robert Ostrowsky, Milton Thomas (vla); William Van Den Berg, Nathan Gershman, Joseph Saxon, Harold Schneier (cello); Bill Pittman (g); Max Bennett (b); Jack Sperling (d); Emil Richards (per, mallets); Jack Lee (string dir).

FEB 4-Julian C. Matlock (cond); Archie LeCoque, Eddie Miller (sax); Joe Venuti (vln); Stan Wrightsman (p); Henry Levine (b); Nick Fatool (d); Russell P. Black, Robert Paul Morgan, Edmund J. Scarazzo (unknown inst.)

MAR 23-Shorty Rogers (cond); George Roberts (tb); John Cave, James Decker, William Hinshaw (frh); Dorothy Colton, Louis Kievman, Virginia Majewski, Paul Robyn (vla); Norman Benko, Paul Bergstrom, Justin DiTullio, Ann Goodman, Ray Kramer, Emmett Sargeant, Joseph Saxon, Eleanor Slatkin (cello); Pete Jolly (p); Laurindo Almeida, Don Peake (g); Joe Mondragon (b); Larry Bunker, Earl Palmer (d).

Original LP Sequence:

Side 1:
**The Shadow Of Your Smile (Johnny Mandel/Paul Francis Webster) (March 23)
**The Sweetheart Tree (Henry Mancini/Johnny Mercer) (March 23)
**I Will Wait For You (Jacques Demy/Norman Gimbel/Michel Legrand) (March 23)
**The Ballad Of Cat Ballou (Mack David/Jerry Livingston) (March 23)
**What's New Pussycat? (Burt Bacharach/Hal David) (March 23)

Side 2:
*Rainin' (Bobby Darin) (February 4)
*Lover Come Back To Me (Oscar Hammerstein II/Sigmund Romberg) (December 13)
*Cute (Neal Hefti/Stanley Styne) (December 14)
*After You've Gone (Henry Creamer/Turner Layton) (December 13)
*It's Only A Paper Moon (Harold Arlen/E.Y. "Yip" Harburg/Billy Rose) (December 14)
*Liza (George Gershwin/Ira Gershwin/Gus Kahn) (December 15)

Bonus Tracks Added to the CD:

We Didn't Ask To Be Brought Here
Funny What Love Can Do
The Breaking Point
Silver Dollar

________________________________

Bobby Darin: In a Broadway Bag (Atlantic 8126, June 1966)
CD Release: Edsel EDSS1012, 07/10/2007; Disky HR 902614, 12/14/2004
Recording Dates: March 24, 1966, NYC ("Mame" only); May 10, 1966, Los Angeles, CA
Producer: Bobby Darin
Engineer: David Hassinger
Arrangements: Shorty Rogers*, Perry Botkin Jr.**
Musicians:
Shorty Rogers (cond), other details unknown.

Perry Botkin Jr. (cond); Allan Reuss (g); Pete Jolly (p, organ); Lyle Ritz (b); Irv Cottler (d); Richie Frost (d) ("Mame" only); Larry Bunker (per); Pete Candoli, John Audino, Frank Beach, Ray Triscari (tp); Harry Betts, Joe Howard, Lloyd Ulyate, George Roberts (tb); Ronnie Lang, Wilbur Schwartz, Plas Johnson, Bob Hardaway, John Lowe (sax).

Original LP Sequence:

Side 1:
**Mame (Jerry Herman)
**I Believe In You (Frank Loesser)
**It's Today (Jerry Herman)
**Everybody Has The Right To Be Wrong (Sammy Cahn/Jimmy Van Heusen)
**Feelin' Good (Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley)
*Don't Rain On My Parade (Bob Merrill/Jule Styne)

Side 2:
*The Other Half Of Me (Stan Freeman/Jack Lawrence)
*Once Upon A Time (Lee Adams/Charles Strouse)
*Try To Remember (Tom Jones/Harvey Schmidt)
*I'll Only Miss Her When I Think Of Her (Sammy Cahn/Jimmy Van Heusen)
*Night Song (Lee Adams/Charles Strouse)

Bonus Tracks Added to the CD:

Walking In The Shadow Of Love
Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?
Merci Cherie

Comments: "Sings the Shadow of Your Smile" signaled Bobby Darin's return to his old label, Atlantic, after a 7-album stint at Capitol. Continuing in the vein of his last two swingin' Capitol LPs, Darin brings in "Shadow" as a glorious salute to the great songwriters, with entries from such luminaries as Johnny Mercer, Burt Bacharach, "Yip" Harburg, and the Gershwins. The Darin magic infuses every one of these tracks, from the tender and warm title tune, to Darin's passionate and dramatic reading of "I Will Wait For You," to the playful and snappy "Cute." His own composition, "Rainin'," fits in beautifully, casting a very special kind of lazy day spell.

"In a Broadway Bag" is just what the title suggests: Darin puts his stamp on many of the Broadway hits of the time. The narcissistic "I Believe in You" gets flipped on its head, and becomes a sweet pledge of support for a lover or friend. "Everybody Has the Right to Be Wrong" is pure, jaunty Darin joy, delivered with his trademark vocal wink. His heartwarming and effective rendition of "Once Upon a Time" is a classic, and is only overshadowed by the final cut on this record, his indescribably powerful and haunting version of "Night Song." In this one, he uses every bit of his legendary acting skill, to draw out every ounce of heart-rending truth from the lyrics. Breathtaking.

Bobby Darin CD Profile: The 25th Day of December

2007-08-16T14:27:00.000-05:00

Bobby Darin: The 25th Day of December (Atco 33-125, October 24, 1960)
CD Release: Atlantic 91772, 10/25/1991
Recording Dates: August 19-21, 1960 in Los Angeles, CA.
Producer: Ahmet Ertegun
Engineer: Bill Putnam
Arrangements: Bobby Scott
Musicians: Bobby Scott (cond), other details unknown.

Original LP Sequence:

Side 1:
O Come All Ye Faithful (August 19)
Poor Little Jesus (August 20)
Child of God (August 21)
Baby Born Today (August 20)
Holy Holy Holy (August 19)
Ave Maria (August 19)

Side 2:
Go Tell It on the Mountain (August 21)
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks (August 20)
Jehovah Hallelujah (August 21)
Mary Where Is Your Baby (August 21)
Silent Night, Holy Night (August 20)
Dona Nobis Pacem (August 19)
Amen (August 21)

Bonus Tracks added to CD: The single track "Christmas Auld Lang Syne" (Manny Kurtz [aka Mann Curtis]/Frank Military), recorded with Bobby Scott's Orchestra on August 18 in Los Angeles, was added to the CD re-issue of this LP.

Comments: Bobby Darin was famous for delivering the unexpected, and with this release he did it again: a Christmas themed offering that is soulful, reverant, and rousing all at once. On "Baby Born Today" and "Jehovah Hallelujah", he kicks it out with a joyous shout that is equal to Brother Ray's. Alternately, his "Ave Maria" is so tender, gentle and stunningly beautiful that it is bound to silence any detractor who ever claimed Darin's voice was less than exquisite.

Bobby Darin rockin' out on The Midnight Special

2007-08-12T13:11:00.000-05:00

Bobby Darin could swing, Bobby Darin could croon, Bobby Darin could do everything... and here he is, rockin' out like only he can, playing piano and harmonica, singin' and stompin' his feet, on The Midnight Special. Nobody does it better.

To see the clip, click this link:

Bobby Darin rockin' out on the Midnight Special

HA CHA and a good deal more!!!

Bobby Darin: Commitment/Rare Darin CD now available!

2007-08-11T17:54:00.000-05:00

The Edsel label has announced a street date of 09/10/2007 for the new "Bobby Darin: Commitment/Rare Darin" 2-on-1 CD. Bobby Darin's historic "Commitment" LP, never before issued on CD, is finally available. Originally released in 1969 on Darin's own Direction label, under the name "Bob Darin," "Commitment" is an intensely personal, beautifully written and performed piece. Complimenting the LP, Edsel has included 10 additional tracks from the Direction era, under the title "Rare Darin."

You can pre-order the "Commitment/Rare Darin" CD right now at DarinLand.com.

HA CHA and then some!

Bobby Darin: Jingle Jangle Jungle (mp3)

2007-08-11T12:37:00.000-05:00

In honor of the release of Bobby Darin's historic "Born Walden Robert Cassotto" album on CD for the very first time, I have just added a new song from that record to the DarinLand page on MySpace: "Jingle Jangle Jungle."

To hear it, go to...

http://www.myspace.com/darinland

Bobby Darin: Sings Doctor Dolittle/Born Walden Robert Cassotto CD

Bobby Darin: Rock Island Line/Timber 45 on Ebay

2007-08-09T16:34:00.000-05:00

There's a copy of Bobby Darin's debut single from 1956, "Rock Island Line"/"Timber," up on Ebay.

Here's a link to the listing:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170138611741

HA CHA indeeeed!

Bobby Darin in "State Fair" on Fox Movie Channel in Letterbox

2007-08-08T10:52:00.000-05:00

The 1962 remake of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "State Fair," with Bobby Darin and Ann-Margret (along with Jose Ferrer, Alice Faye, Pat Boone, Tom Ewell, Wally Cox, and Pamela Tiffin), will be shown in letterbox format on the Fox Movie Channel on the following dates and times: 08/08/2007 at 12pm, 09/02/2007 at 10am and 12pm. This is a great opportunity to see Bobby's one and only appearance in a musical, and to see the entire film, not the panned and scanned, chopped up version that is usually shown. So there! :)

Bobby Darin the Impressionist (Video Clip)

2007-08-06T10:34:00.000-05:00

Bobby Darin does his legendary Stars Bar routine in this clip, featuring spot-on impressions of Walter Brennan, Cary Grant, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, and a host of others. Brilliant stuff!

Bobby Darin, Andy Williams and Robert Goulet on the Andy Williams Show (video clip)

2007-08-03T23:15:00.000-05:00

Here is Bobby Darin exercising his immense talent for musical comedy, singing "You Can't Cheat An Honest Man" with Robert Goulet and Andy Williams. Check out those ventilated suits!

To see the clip, click this link:

Bobby Darin, Andy Williams and Robert Goulet (Sept 1965)

HA CHA!

Bobby Darin's "Commitment" LP on CD for the First Time Ever

2007-07-31T08:54:00.000-05:00

The Edsel label in the UK will continue its program of fantastic Bobby Darin re-issues in September, with the release of the historic "Bob Darin: Commitment" LP from 1969 (never before available on CD). This was the second of Darin's 2 albums on his own Direction label, and the only album he ever released under the name 'Bob Darin.' Like his first Direction album ("Born Walden Robert Cassotto," coming from Edsel on 08/21/2007), "Commitment" is composed entirely of original material, and thus stands as one Darin's most heartfelt and honest artistic expressions.

Standout tracks include the sly and clever "Distractions (Part 1)," the biting "Song For a Dollar," the snappy wordplay of "Me and Mr. Hohner", and the irresistibly catchy "Jive." Bobby Darin was a first class songwriter with a playful approach to language, and this album found him in top form.

Edsel has also included 10 tracks of additional material from the Direction era, under the title "Rare Darin." Among these tracks, "City Life" and "Route 58" are true gems, as they both represent insights into Darin's past and his personal and artistic struggles. Of course, the rest of it is pretty darned nifty too, especially the live tracks from a 1969 appearance at the legendary Troubadour in Los Angeles.

A pre-order listing for the "Bob Darin: Commitment/Rare Darin" CD will be posted on the DarinLand.com site soon. Keep an eye on this space for updates.

Meanwhile, here are the full details on the upcoming "Commitment/Rare Darin" CD:

BOB DARIN
COMMITMENT + RARE DARIN
EDSS 1015

COMMITMENT
Me And Mr Hohner / Sugar-Man / Sausalito (The Governor's Song) / Song For A Dollar / The Harvest / Distractions (Part 1) / Water Color Canvas / Jive / Hey Magic Man / Light Blue

RARE DARIN
Baby May / Sweet Reasons / Maybe We Can Get It Together / Rx-Pyro (Prescription: Fire) / City Life / Route 58 / Distractions (Part 1) [live at The Troubadour 1969] / Long Line Rider [live at The Troubadour 1969] / Simple Song Of Freedom [live at The Troubadour 1969] / Monologue; Questions [live at The Troubadour 1969]

New Bobby Darin CD: “Sings Doctor Dolittle/Born Walden Robert Cassotto”

2007-07-30T15:27:00.000-05:00

The good news coming from UK label Demon/Edsel just never seems to stop. First, they gift Bobby Darin fans with re-issues of the "Shadow of Your Smile/In a Broadway Bag" and "If I Were a Carpenter/Inside Out" 2-on-1 CDs... and now, they're bringing us a 2-on-1 disc containing the "Bobby Darin Sings Doctor Dolittle" and "Born Walden Robert Cassotto" LPs. Yes, you read that right: for the first time ever, "Bobby Darin: Born Walden Robert Cassotto" will be available on CD. The release date for the "Dolittle/Born Walden Robert Cassotto" disc is 08/21/2007. You can pre-order it now at the DarinLand.com site.

HA... CHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bobby Darin sings Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" (video clip)

2007-07-27T13:43:00.000-05:00

Here's another amazing number from the "Seeing is Believing" DVD: Bobby Darin demonstrates what dynamics are all about, in this brilliant rendition of Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline." This performance is an object lesson in how a song should be sung. Pay close attention, kids! There will be a quiz...

Click the link below to see the clip:

Bobby Darin sings Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline"

Bobby Darin sings "I Got Rhythm" in 1961 (and dances too!) (video clip)

2007-07-19T18:28:00.000-05:00

Here he is, in all his singing, dancing glory, the one, the only, the multi-talented Mr. Bobby Darin. This clip is taken from his 1961 TV special, "Bobby Darin and Friends," and it serves once again to demonstrate the limitless nature of this man's talent. Just watch him move. He has the music surging through his nervous system. He is the music, shaped into the flesh and blood marvel known as Bobby Darin.

To see the clip, click this link:

Bobby Darin sings "I Got Rhythm" in 1961

HA CHA!

2 new Bobby Darin CDs out today!!!

2007-07-17T18:19:00.000-05:00

Today is the day: the Edsel label re-issues of Bobby Darin's classic LPs, "Sings the Shadow of Your Smile," "In a Broadway Bag," "If I Were a Carpenter" and "Inside Out" are finally back in print. "Shadow" and "Broadway" are together on one disc, "Carpenter" and "Inside Out" are together on another. And both discs are packed with amazing bonus tracks.

This is nothing short of a minor miracle, when you consider the glorious Bobby Darin recordings to be found on these discs:

"Shadow" boasts the intensely romantic "I Will Wait For You," the delightfully playful "Cute," and Bobby's own brilliant composition, "Rainin'." "Broadway Bag" ranges from the cool rhythm of "Feelin' Good" to the explosive joy of "It's Today" to the melancholy beauty of "Once Upon a Time."

"Carpenter" has another fabulous Bobby original, "Amy," plus the smilin' classic "Lovin' You" and the heartbreakingly powerful "Until It's Time for You to Go." "Inside Out" includes the warm and gentle "About You," the kicky and ironic "Bes' Friends," and another fabulous Darin original, "I Am."

It's a good day to be a Bobby Darin fan.

HA CHA doesn't even begin to cover it... :)

Bobby Darin sings Paul Simon’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”

2007-07-13T08:26:00.000-05:00

This is absolutely exquisite. Bobby Darin delivers a soul-stirring, gospel-infused rendition of Paul Simon's "Bridge Over Troubled Water." This is a magnificent of marriage of singer to song, demonstrating once again the fact that Bobby Darin is one of the finest and most truthful lyrical interpreters of our time.

Click this link to see the clip:

Bobby Darin sings "Bridge Over Troubled Water"

Bobby Darin sings "Sally Was a Good Old Girl"

2007-07-12T14:52:00.000-05:00

Like everything else he did, Bobby Darin's approach to country music was entirely unique. He could deliver a completely traditional reading of a song, or take it in a new and exciting direction. In the case of the Harlan Howard number "Sally Was A Good Old Girl," (from the 1963 Capitol album "You're the Reason I'm Living") he opted for the latter. This is country that swings, propelled by horns and infused with Bobby's righteously rhythmic vocal style. To hear Bobby swingin' country, click the link:

Bobby Darin sings "Sally Was A Good Old Girl"

HA, and I do mean, CHA!

--Michael

Bobby Darin sings "I'm On My Way, Great God" (video clip)

2007-07-10T09:01:00.000-05:00

Bobby Darin sang spirituals with more power and soul than almost anyone. This beautiful black and white footage of him singing "I'm On My Way, Great God" is bound to send shivers up your spine. Absolutely stunning.

Bobby's studio recording of "I'm On My Way" originally appeared on the now out-of-print "Earthy" LP, but a live version can still be found on the "Curtain Falls: Live at the Flamingo" CD.

Bobby Darin and Judy Garland sing a Goin' Home Medley

2007-07-09T07:41:00.000-05:00

This is a super kick! Two of the most delightful entertainers of our age, Bobby Darin and Judy Garland, easing into a smooth and catchy medley of travelin' tunes. Listen for Bobby slipping in a few lines from his friend Johnny Mercer's classic "Blues in the Night." And as an extra bonus for Darin fans, there's a finger-snappin' bit from "Some of These Days." HA CHA indeed!

Bobby Darin sings Work Song (video clip)

2007-07-07T10:07:00.000-05:00

This clip from the "Seeing is Believing" DVD demonstrates the incredible versatility of the one and only Mr. Bobby Darin. No one could get inside a song like Bobby, and no one could draw so much raw, real emotion from a lyric as Bobby could. His take on the Nat Adderley/Oscar Brown, Jr. tune "Work Song" is a study in tension, power, and mood. Sheer brilliance.

Click the link below to see the clip:

Bobby Darin sings "Work Song" from the Seeing is Believing DVD

Bobby Darin sings "If I Were a Carpenter" in 1970

2007-07-06T06:56:00.000-05:00

Here's something to hold us all over until the "If I Were a Carpenter/Inside Out" and "Shadow of Your Smile/In a Broadway Bag" re-issue CDs are out. The release date for these discs has been re-scheduled (it's now 07/17/2007, a week later than originally planned), so we've got a few extra days to wait! You can still pre-order them at DarinLand.com, and thus get your copy sent out to you the day they hit the street.

In the meantime, enjoy this clip of Bobby Darin singing "If I Were a Carpenter" in 1970...

Bobby Darin on the Sopranos

2007-07-05T13:19:00.000-05:00

Here's a fun little clip: Bobby Darin's original name, Walden Robert Cassotto, gets a clever mention on The Sopranos. Gotta love the writer who knew enough about Bobby Darin to slip this line in. Very cool!

Bobby Darin sings in the trailer for Disney/Pixar's "Ratatouille"

2007-07-03T14:31:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my friends Fil Marchese and Joy Cash for alerting me to this: Bobby Darin's rousing rendition of "Once in a Lifetime" is being used in the trailer for the new Disney/Pixar film "Ratatouille." From all reports, the song isn't actually in the film itself, but the fact that it's playing on the front of Disney's official "Ratatouille" site means it will be heard by millions!

You can also see the trailer on the front of the DarinLand.com site. Just go to DarinLand.com and click play!

Note: Bobby's song is used toward the end, as part of the windup and the Big Finish. And I have to say, I think it is used brilliantly. The lyrics, the attitude, Bobby's exciting delivery all compliment the visuals and the theme of the movie perfectly. HA CHA!

Review your favorite Bobby Darin CD or DVD

2007-07-03T13:22:00.000-05:00

The DarinLand.com website needs reviews of Bobby Darin CDs and DVDs. Go to DarinLand.com, page through the Darin CDs and DVDs, find your favorite, then click the "write a review" button at the bottom of the page. Let other fans know what you think! Once your review is approved, it'll appear on the site, with your credit, and it might also be selected as the Featured Review for that release. Thanks!

Bobby Darin sings "On Broadway" from the "18 Yellow Roses" LP

2007-07-03T10:17:00.000-05:00

Check out Bobby Darin's driving, building, brilliant rendition of "On Broadway," from the "You're the Reason I'm Living/18 Yellow Roses and 11 Other Hits" 2-fer CD. Love the way the tune just gets more and more intense, till it finally busts out with them drums!

Hear it on the DarinLand MySpace page...

http://www.myspace.com/darinland

This is HA CHA CHA HOT!

Bobby Darin as the Devil on "The Flip Wilson Show"

2007-07-03T09:10:00.000-05:00

Here's a little smile to help carry you through the week: Bobby Darin plays the Devil in a comedy skit on "The Flip Wilson Show" (this is an extra on the out-of-print "Mack is Back" DVD). I swear, there's a bit of Burt Lancaster in Bobby's speech about the glory of vice. Testify, brother, testify!

Flip Wilson Show DVDs with Bobby Darin

Bobby Darin sings “For Once In My Life” from “Mack is Back”

2007-07-02T13:12:00.000-05:00

Oh MAN this is intense. The band is cookin', the horns are incredible, and Bobby Darin delivers his usual smmmmmmokin' performance. I love the way he slides in a bit of his signature number, "Once in a Lifetime." So clever, so cool, so hot!

Bobby Darin Video Blast

2007-06-30T15:54:00.000-05:00

There's a new Bobby Darin Video Blast up on the DarinLand.com site:

Bobby Darin and the Supremes on the "Rodgers and Hart Today" TV special in 1967

Click the link to see the clip!