Entertainment

1960s pop singer Bobby Vee has died at age 73

Bobby Vee, who enjoyed hits with Rubber Ball and Take Good Care of my Baby, has died at the age of 73.

Vee was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease on January 7, 2011, at age 67.

Born Robert Thomas Velline April 30, 1943, in Fargo, Vee burst onto national musical prominence at age 15 after the plane crash that claimed the lives of rock "n" roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. Vee earned 7 gold records and had 38 Top-100 hits.

Bob played briefly with Bobby's band and suggested he change his last name to Vee.

"I've played with everybody from Mick Jagger to Madonna, but the most lovely person I've ever been on stage with is Bobby Vee", Dylan said, as quoted by Minnesota Public Radio's music blog The Current.

Vee kept recording into the 2000s, and maintained a steady touring schedule.

Vee released more than 25 albums during his career, retiring in 2011 after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Dylan, who is so taciturn that he has not commented on winning the Nobel Prize for Literature earlier this month, offered a highly unusual on-stage tribute in 2013 when Vee attended one of his concerts in Minnesota.

Vee and his family - wife Karen, sons Jeff, Tommy and Robby and daughter Jenny - moved from Los Angeles to St. Cloud in 1980, and immediately made an impact on the community.

Family members said Vee's memory wasn't affected so much by Alzheimer's as his speech.

Vee had been in a care home near Minneapolis for just over a year and had been receiving hospice care before his death, Mr Velline said.

stayontheblack.com

1960s pop singer Bobby Vee has died at age 73