Bobby Vee (1943–2016)
Inducted in 1992
The voice of 15-year old Robert “Bobby Vee”
Velline was introduced to the world when he filled in as local talent at a show scheduled in Moorhead, Minnesota in 1959. Rock n’ Roll stars Buddy Holly, Richie Valens
and The Big Bopper had been killed in a
plane crash enroute to their Moorhead
engagement the night before. In the following 30+ years, Bobby went on to chart 38 songs in the Billboard top 100, six were awarded as gold singles, 14 top-40 hits, and two gold albums. His song “Suzie Baby”,
recorded in Minneapolis, drew the interest of major record companies. Bobby Vee and The Shadows’ single was picked up by major-label Liberty Records in the fall of 1959. When Bobby’s recording of “Devil or Angel” peaked at number six in the Billboard charts and reached the top 20 on the R&B charts, Liberty Records signed him to a five-year contract. The song “Devil or Angel” was the foundation for a string of hit records reaching the nation’s top 20 throughout the 1960’s era. His hits weren’t limited to America. By 1963 he had seven top hits in England and a number two album, and he shared the charts for 44 weeks side by side with the Beatles. His tours took him worldwide. Bobby enjoyed a long loyal following of fans and friends. In later years, he and his band performed about 100 dates a year in Europe and America. His recording studio and home was located outside of St. Cloud.
