Many things will be
said about Bobby Darin, I won't add to the obvious. It's no surprise
to anyone who is aware of Bobby's background that, 30 years after
his passing, he still has an impact on fans and the entertainment
community.
His performances can be riviting and intense; they can be subtle
and sweet. He can make me all-out bellylaugh, he can bring a tear
to my eyes. But hearing his voice always makes me smile. Wherever
I am, I look up and give a wink. And when I hear him start Beyond
the Sea, "Somewhere...." I just stop dead in my tracks.
My earliest recollection of Bobby was watching him singing Mack
on AB. At 4 years old, he was my very first little girl crush. Secretly,
I wanted to marry Bobby Darin.
I was 18 when he died; finishing my first semester of college. I
remember hearing the news of his passing on the radio that morning
while getting ready for school. Not knowing he was ill, it totally
shocked and stunned me. That Christmas my dad gave my sister and
I gold bracelets with the inscription "Love Dad, 1973."
To this day when I wear it I think of my dad, but I also remember
Bobby.
What started out as a young girl's admiration evolved over the years
to a true appreciation of his talent and, even more, for who he
was as a person. I am still learning new things about him and, above
everything, it's his strength of character and conviction that always
shine through.
The only negative thing I can say about Bobby Darin is that he didn't
wait for me. He'll always have a corner of my heart.
Patricia Zimmer
