His final utterance was his childhood phone number. On his deathbed. Was he reaching back to the Bronx High School of Science or Hunter College? Or trying to connect with his mom and grandma to ask why? Bobby’s tragic passing surely devastated Dodd, Sandra, Andrea and their families. To them I send warmest wishes. Bobby supported Heart Fund and other charities. He enjoyed doing benefits; I can’t recall him ever turning one down.
He made people happy, even in death; his body going to UCLA Medical Research Center. No gravesite exists. His melodious, matchless music mosaic is his only true monument, his lasting memorial. His fiery, flamboyant flair, his ageless ongoing talent has clearly stood the test of time. His charisma and songs will continue to give pleasure to millions yet unborn.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame posthumously inducted Bobby in 1990, with son Dodd Mitchell, then age 29, accepting. In 1999 his composing accomplishments were embraced by the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He may not have been considered "the best ever" by age 25 as he once hoped, but lately there’s been a surge of interest in the multi-talented Bobby Darin. His many dimensions and wide variety of skills place him in a special class, almost like Jolson, Garland, Sinatra, Streisand. The tragedy-plagued Bronx boy may finally have achieved the legendary status he craved.
This tribute was written as a "labor of love" from the heart. At the time Bobby’s biography never entered my mind. If done, one chapter would be new worlds Bobby might have conquered, in politics, theater, advancing the arts; film director, producer, TV host, philanthropist, media owner. He genuinely cared about humanity and wanted to make the world better. Radio DJs get sentimental about Bobby, like reminiscing about a friend, which he still is, to hundreds of millions of fans worldwide.
Bobby's "Horatio Alger" rags-to-riches story is one of exceptional drive, ambition, rare courage, moving human drama, intense personal tragedy. It spans an epic period from the late 30s to the early 70s. Bobby’s life was filled with the cruel knowledge he was "running out of time." Had he lived, I’m confident the gifted, dynamic entertainer would today be a superstar. He was so alive, full of energy. His music improves with age like fine wine.
Bobby would now be older, but remains forever young in our memory, a boyishly handsome freeze-frame from a more innocent era. Teary-eyed, I remember magical mellow moments with a true-blue pal, a dedicated, original craftsman. Rest well, Bobby Darin, you earned it.
