My Tribute to Bobby

It all started with the Legendary CD, this crazy, emotionally-charged obsession I have with Bobby Darin. He has changed my life in so many ways. His music reaches into my heart and pulls out every emotion that is hidden there. When I watch him move on stage, his perfect rhythm, full of electricity and energy, completely mesmerizes me. He makes my heart sing and my soul cry out for more. I can't watch Bobby and not get emotional, whether it's laughter or tears, he brings it all out of me. He leaves me emotionally drained.

His life is truly inspirational. He knew what he wanted at a young age, and he went after it, relentlessly, even though his health was in danger. There were times when he could barely walk up to the stage, but as soon as the music started, Bobby was there, ready to perform, and he always gave every ounce of energy left in him. He lived with a ticking time bomb, yet he never let it take over. He enjoyed life to the fullest, never taking pity on himself. I let his example of living govern my own life; I love those in my life more passionately and I never take a day for granted.

Bobby, thank you for continuing your creative brilliance into that final year, instead of hiding away from your fans. Because of your generosity and need for performing, we have beautiful, unforgettable music, and breathtaking pictures of you. I pay tribute to your phenomenal and extraordinary life, and for the passion and excitement you continually bring me. You will always be a part of me.

Amy H.
December 2006

For Bobby Darin

Extraordinary,
This man who lived near the ocean.
Azure skies, French blue waters
Saw a searching and always learning man,
Heard a man whose song would be known forever.
Tides and winds dance to his rhythms, flamenco strings.

Any song he sings is for us all.
To everyone who hears he gives his all.
Leaving the water's edge he carries it with him.
This place misses him. I miss him.

Little boat over the ocean.
Sails to new listening
Sky blue above and beside us.
Bobby, sing your songs to me.

Connie Jeffrey
December 2006

"Nights are long since you went away....I think about you all through the day....my buddy."

Thinking of you, Bobby, on December 20, 2006.

Bridget
December 2006

Bobby Kennedy and Bobby Darin

This movie Bobby is not getting great reviews, but I will go to see it in any case. The assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King marked the beginning of my political awareness as a child, and so that era remains of intense interest to me.

In my morning paper I just read an editorial by David Brooks of the New York Times. He talks a bit about the movie and more about a book that shaped Robert Kennedy's world view to a considerable extent—Edith Hamilton's The Greek Way, a book of essays on ancient Athenian history. Brooks says that this book was Kennedy's constant companion on the campaign trail. He notes a passage that Kennedy had marked for repeated reading:

"Life for him was an adventure, perilous indeed,
but men are not made for safe havens. The fullness of life
is in the hazards of life. And, at the worst, there is that
in us which can turn defeat into victory."

Brooks does not say who this quote was in reference to, but I think it is notable that it got Robert Kennedy's special attention, and I think it applies wonderfully to Darin as well. When I was a child, I enjoyed Edith Hamilton's writings on Greek myths for children, but I think I will have to seek out more of her writing. This is what I'm thinking about as the anniversary of Darin's passing approaches.

Gisele
December 2006

Bobby Darin……….a magical music man. A thought-full man. A man who wanted to be remembered as a "human being and a great performer." A Hall of Fame rocker who could bring you to tears with a soft ballad. A grand master of swing who could lift you high or bring you to your knees with some down and dirty blues. A city boy with a country groove. An earthy activist and sophisticated songwriter who was equally at ease in a dinner jacket or denim jacket. These all combined to form his enduring legacy as a great performer. What I hadn't realized until I recently had reason to communicate with a large numbers of Darin fans is that his legacy as a human being is equally enduring, and not only because of his commitment to social justice. Because he was personally triumphant over medical and family issues, he stands as an awesome inspiration to many who battle disabilities and disillusionment. Wattaguy.

Jamie
December 2006

I was asked to choose my favorite photo of Bobby Darin, and then, write a few words describing the way he's changed me, made me feel.

This is not my favorite pictur. To pick the one I liked the most would have been to difficult. But the more I stare at this one, the more I realize it was the right one to choose. It's not Bobby at his best, some might say. He's not posing, ready with a smile, acting out for publicity. But rather he's glowing inside. A moment beautifully captured of him surrounded by what I believe were the two most
important people in his life.

I cannot begin to put down in words just how amazing he was or even how he has touched my heart in such a way that I now have music to turn to, shows to turn to whenever I'm feeling low.

Remove the glitter, lights and camera's, and Walden Robert Cassotto himself was an incredible man. His fall to the bottom, at such an early age, drove him to the top, drove him to succeed!

Walden is not famous for his pretty face or because he knew certain people who helped him get there. Walden is Bobby Darin because he was born to be and he chose to be. That music in his soul, that longing in his heart and all the talent he had inside him, all the work he did is why he is Bobby Darin.

He cared about family, he cared about people, he was a man of far too many colors to describe them all. He wanted to perform. He and that stage were made for each other, and every performance was
all of him, exactly what he wanted you to see of him. Bobby was not just in the spotlight, he was the spotlight! And he gave 110 percent! But the most wonderful quality above all, the one that shines through in him so much, is his love for his son. It's unlike his love for the stage, it's deeper than that, as is his love for his wife, Sandra.

There is no way I can explain just what he's done for me, for the list is far too great. But I will say this. Thanks to him I have a new found strength in myself to achieve my own goals in life, and he will always be there to give me strength.

I love you Bobby Darin, and miss you deeply.

Sarah
December 2006

THE MAGIC OF BOBBY DARIN

My introduction to the great Bobby Darin was back in 1971. I was 7 years old. Thanks to my mom, I had the privilege of growing up listening to Bobby's incredible voice. The countless hours spent listening to Bobby's albums, I couldnt believe how magnificent this man was!!! His voice took me to a place I have yet to find the right words to describe. I remember the day bobby died like it was yesterday. I was consumed with sadness. All these feelings for bobby I could not explain. I felt alone. I only knew that I had to have his music as a part of my life, and have to this day. I can't even begin to tell you how much Bobby's music, his life, his work has meant to me. My consolation is the fact that bobby is not really gone, as his music lives in our hearts forever!

As long as he's singing,
"the world's alright and everythings swinging!"

My life has been enriched because a little boy by the name of Walden Robert Cassotto was born May 14, 1936. Thank you, Bobby, for touching my soul by making the world's most beautiful music!!!!!

With great admiration,
Nicolle
December 2006

After Today

Kanna
December 2006

I was a product of the 50's. There were many Rock and Rollers out there. Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydel, Elvis and Bobby Darin. Even though I listened, danced and rocked to them all, Bobby Darin stood out among them. He stood out as someone very special. His singing, his moves, his hand gestures and crooked grin were unique to him. He could send me to a place no other singer at that time could. Bobby was simply the coolest. I remember when he married Sandra Dee and when they had Dodd. I bought all the teen magazines and read about them. I was sad when they split.

As the years went by for Bobby and me, I saw less and less of him. I caught a few TV specials and bought a few audio tapes, but until BTS hit the big screen I didn't know his full story. Researching Kevin Spacey led me to the Darin web sites. I started buying some CD's. Then I found this group and my Darin love bubbled to the surface. Dozens of CD's and all the DVD's later, I am more in awe of the man's great talent and versatility then ever. Bobby brings me comfort when I'm down. Helps me vacuum, dust, prepare meals, drive to work, fill my down time, and brings me many new friends I never knew were out there. He will follow me into my old age and make me feel young again.

Thanks, Bobby.

Barb H
December 2006

I had "heard of" Bobby. "Splish Splash." "Mack."

But, didn't really know much about him.

In January 2005, I went to a small, out-of-the-way movie theatre to see Beyond the Sea. I was entranced. I went back the next night and saw it again. I went looking for a Bobby CD. The only one in Barnes and Noble was Aces Back to Back. I bought it, listened, and fell in love. Then, I put the DVD in my computer and I was absolutely knocked out of my shoes and socks. I then became totally obsessed with finding everything Bobby that I could find. Searching for music. Searching for books. I read Dream Lovers first and then found every book written about him. I started looking online for Bobby information and that led me to the website. I found the Topica email list, which then became the Google list. I met dozens of like-minded, wonderful people who all shared my BD obsession. Such a relief to know that I'm not alone. Prior to falling love with Bobby, I had never been a "fan" of any entertainer, never bought more than 2 CDs by the same artist, never "collected" anything, never gave much more than a passing thought to any particular entertainer.

Someone told me about Ebay. I began searching for Bobby material on Ebay. (And found lots of wonderful items.)

My checking account is much lighter than it was pre-Bobby. My heart and my life are much fuller and so enriched.

That's it in a nutshell. As brief as I could put it!

Ann
December 2006

BOBBY DARIN LIVES
THEN
NOW
FOREVER

Reina
December 2006

The Man With the Child In His Eyes
(Words and music by Kate Bush)

I hear him, before I go to sleep
And focus on the day that's been.
I realise he's there,
When I turn the light off and turn over.

Nobody knows about my man.
They think he's lost on some horizon.
And suddenly I find myself
Listening to a man I've never known before,

Telling me about the sea,
All his love, 'til eternity.

Ooh, he's here again,
The man with the child in his eyes.

He's very understanding,
And he's so aware of all my situations.
And when I stay up late,
He's always waiting, but I feel him hesitate.

Oh, I'm so worried about my love.
They say, no, no, it won't last forever.
And here I am again, my girl,
Wondering what on earth I'm doing here.
Maybe he doesn't love me.
I just took a trip on my love for him.

Ooh, he's here again,
The man with the child in his eyes.

Diane
December 2006