Bobby Vinton biography

Synopsis

Early Life

Singer. Born Stanley Robert Vinton on April 16, 1935 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Growing up in the same hometown that produced Perry Como, Vinton showed an early musical interest in the Big Band sound that sprang from his father's work as a bandleader in the Pittsburgh area. As a child Vinton played clarinet, then the trumpet in a band he formed in high school. He first began singing at the urging of other members of his high school group, but his primary musical interest at the time was in band direction. While attending Duquesne University, Vinton further pursued bandleading, forming a combo that played at college functions and dances in the Pittsburgh area.

During service in the army Vinton continued playing trumpet in a military band. As soon as he was out of uniform he got together another band that was later selected to perform on a variety show for NBC. Dick Lawrence, a popular disc jockey in Pittsburgh, was impressed by Vinton's voice and made some demo tapes of the singer's work. Eventually, the tapes made their way to CBS Records, and Vinton was offered a contract with the company's Epic label in 1960. Vinton was managed in his early career by Allen Klein, who later took the helm for the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

Vinton had an uneventful start with Epic, recording two albums of band music that generated minimal interest. Seeing no future in the young performer, Epic was about to let him go when Vinton noticed that his contract allowed him to record two more songs. When he told Epic that he wanted to sing the songs, the company was skeptical at first, but finally gave him the okay.

Pop Sensation

Equipped with an angelic voice and singing sincere songs about undying love, Vinton surprised everyone by generating 30 Top 40 songs in the 1960s and 1970s, and 24 of his albums made the Billboard Top 200. Vinton's romantic love songs had particular appeal to young fans, but later in his career he was able to adjust his style to appeal to adult audiences. He had remarkable staying power for a teen idol, continuing to record songs that registered on the charts for well over a decade. After topping the charts with "Roses Are Red" in 1962, he reached the top position again in 1963 with his version of "Blue Velvet," which had been recorded by the Clovers in 1955, and "There! I Said It Again." In 1964 he topped the Hit Parade with "Mr. Lonely," a song he co-wrote with Gene Allen that became his personal favorite. As a result of his success, Vinton said goodbye to his band and remained a solo act.

Young fans made up the core of Vinton's audience, and they eagerly bought up his recordings of heartrending love ballads.