Like Bobby, I was born
and raised in New York City. A highlight was seeing him perform
at Freedomland during the summer of 1963 when our country and I
enjoyed more innocence than we do today. The images of a fellow
New Yorker belting them out on that July afternoon are so clear
from my then-11-year-old life. My Dad and I referred to that day
for many years until his passing in 1995. He'd refer to the Bronx
day we saw "that young guy."
My interest in Bobby
Darin's life and career has gone through several phases of intensity
over the years. In retrospect, I have concluded that he is among
the greats and one of my favorite celebrated artists. All of that
plus he married Sandra Dee-wow!
December 20, 1973
found me in college when the bad news came. I was saddened to hear
that "that young guy" had left us-still a young guy. Thankfully,
we can celebrate his life and talents through his work. In it we
see Mr. Cool, Mr Talent and the man I'm so pleased to say I saw
perform 40 years ago.
God bless the man
and his family and friends.
Jim Keenan
