Sad news in Darinfandom this week.....Al DiOrio, author of the first Bobby Darin biography "Borrowed Time: The 37 Years of Bobby Darin" passed away this week from complications of diabetes. Al, who was only 53, was very special to us and we will miss him very much. He loved Bobby dearly. More is here.....

On September 27, Bobby's hero and idol Donald O'Connor passed away. Bobby starred in the film "That Funny Feeling" with the legendary actor and Donald also made a guest appearance on Bobby's 1973 NBC TV show. Bobby's friend and confidant Harriet Wasser made this statement:

"We lost one of our most gifted talents . As many of you know, Donald O'Connor was Bobby's favorite all-around performer. He had a long and fruitful career and will be remembered for his contributions to the entertainment business.Let us all send condolences to his family."

There is an extensive fansite devoted to Donald on the web here.

......We have received news of yet another Bobby Darin Biography being written, this one by NY Posts Michael Starr. More is here.

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September 21, 2003: New Bobby Darin CDs from Collectors' Choice....New Darin Book in the works

Collectors' Choice made Darinfans extremely happy with the long awaited release of 6 ATCO LPs on CD. These include Love Swings, Bobby Darin Sings Ray Charles, Things & Other Things, Twist With Bobby Darin, Winners, and It's You Or No One. Check this link for more info. THANK YOU COLLECTORS' CHOICE!... Harriet Wasser has informed us of a new book about Bobby that she and Steve Blauner will be involved in, written by David Evanier. Check this link for more information....

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August 3, 2003: Bobby Darin On DVD and Radio

Dick Carr will be paying tribute to Bobby Darin and talking about the upcoming film on his network radio show, Dick Carr's Big Bands Ballads & Blues. It's a 2-hour weekly airing in over 30 cities around the country. BBB&B is marketed by the WOR Radio Network in NYC. The program in question will air the weekend of August 23.
The Darin Invasion will be released on DVD September 16th, by View.com. Megan at view.com has graciously allowed darinfans (restricted to U.S. shipping only) free shipping on this video. Check it out HERE.

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March 10, 2003: Bobby on New Judy Garland DVD

On March 25th,maybe earlier, maybe later, The Judy Garland Show, Vol. 07 (1963) will be released. This two episode DVD has Bobby's episode on Judy's show also co-starring Bob Newhart ( right now I do not know if it will be available on VHS). It will be in pristine condition. Bobby and Judy will perform the wonderful "Train Medley" concocted by Mel Torme. Bobby will also sing "Michael Row the Boat ashore" and "Canaan " (Also, known as "I'm On My Way, Great God") solo. Check your local stores or pre- order this at Amazon or any online store. ( Thanks to David King, Pat Zimmer & Josh Kushins for this info....when I hear of more places to buy this item, I will list it here.)

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March 1, 2003: Kevin Spacey to begin filming Bobby Darin Bio Movie in June....
Bobby Darin & NBC's "American Dreams".... Two new Books about
Bobby!...."Come September" to released on DVD later this year.....

Yes, the long awaited Bio Movie of Bobby's life will be made , starring the popular and talented Kevin Spacey, who will also direct. Read The official site statement from Bobby's son Dodd about the film. We wish Mr. Spacey the best in this very special project and are open to hear from him ! ...The NBC TV series "American Dreams" will feature Duncan Sheik as Bobby Darin. The episode has already been filmed and is set to air March 30,2003. However, this airdate may change so stay tuned ( Thanks to Steve Blauner, Jimmy Scalia, Dick Clark Productions and Poe for this information)... A new book about Bobby entitled "Me and Bobby D: A Memoir" by Steve Karmen, a close friend of Bobby's, will be available in April ( Thanks to Jane Penny for this information)..... Nationally known and award-winning columnist, editor and writer, Jack Behrens has written a new book, "The Big Band Days: A Memoir and Source Book". Darin archivist Jimmy Scalia was involved with this book in the area pertaining to Bobby Darin and Torrie Zito. This book can be purchased at 1stbooks.com. ( Thanks to Jimmy Scalia for this information).... Bobby's film "COME SEPTEMBER" will be available on DVD May 6 2003. ( Thanks to Jim Powers for this information)..."That's All" for now ! Check back soon !

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Dec.23, 2002: Darin song featured in trailer for new film "Catch Me If You Can"... Leave Holiday message for Sandra Dee...Has it really been 29 years?

You've heard it in the commericals promoting the film, Bobby's "Don't Rain On My Parade" is heard in the movie trailer of "Catch Me If You Can" starring Tom Hanks and Leonardo Di Caprio, which premieres Christmas day. Enter the official site and you can even hear Bobby singing "Hey world here I am!".... if you would like to send Christmas wishes to Sandra Dee & the Darin family,please go here.... December 20, 2003 was the 29th anniversary of Bobby's untimely passing. Time heals but we never forget. Thankfully, due to his family, fans and those who knew him and loved him , he has not been forgotton and his memory lives on...

Nov. 16, 2002: Bobby in November Issue of Vanity Fair Magazine.... Tom Dowd, Darin engineer, passes away Oct. 27...Nick Venet's 1996 interview Online at NPR.org.... Bobby in second boxed set of the Judy Garland show from Pioneer in 2003...Tony Orlando remembers Bobby

Bobby was featured in an article in the 2002 Music Issue of "Vanity Fair" magazine. The issue is now off the newsstands but you can read the article here, courtesy of Cathy Hobson .Thanks to Jimmy Scalia, Alison Burke and everyone else who notified me of this.... Nick Venet's 1996 interview with Terry Gross on National Public Radio's "Fresh Air" Show can be heard online here. ( Scroll down to bottom of page). It was a very moving interview. ( Thanks Cheryl Levin for this information)...Hopefully by Valentine's day, A second boxed set of the Judy Garland show from Pioneer will be released. Of the five shows remaining, Bobby's appearance with Judy and Bob Newhart will be featured. ( Thanks to David King for this information).... Tom Dowd, a music producer and engineer who worked with music legends like Bobby, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton, Otis Redding, the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd , died Sunday, Oct. 27, 2002. He was 77. More is here. Our sincerest sympathies go out to his friends and family. ( Thanks to Dik de Heer for this information)....Tony Orlandos new Autobiography has many memories of Bobby. It is entitled "Halfway to Paradise" and is available at Amazon.com

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Oct. 5, 2002: Mack The Knife The Musical

Chaz Esposito's "MACK THE KNIFE"..The Musical The Life And Music Of Bobby Darin will have two shows at: City Stage in Springfield, Mass on October 25 & 26 at 8PM. The box office phone number is (413) 788-7033. This show has received rave reviews, so if you can see it, please do! ( Thanks to Jimmy Scalia for this information.)

May 27, 2002: Darin producer has new official website....
Leave a memorial message for Bobby

One of Bobby's arranger/conductors Buddy Bregman has a new official website, so be sure to check it out. . Mr. Bregman started in the music business with Capitol record's recording trio "The Cheers" and went on to do arrangements on Bobby's Lp's "At The Copa" and "This is Darin. He has had a very significant impact on the the music industry and is still working today.....On this Memorial Day, while we are thinking and praying for lost loved ones, why not visit Bobby's special spot at Findagrave.com? At this site you may leave a special memorial for Bobby plus a symbol, such as a flower, if you desire. Just go to this link and follow the directions they provide. ( Thanks to Joe for this information.)

May 19, 2002: New Darin CDs to be released this summer

Jim Rose of Exemplarmusic.com has announced his company will release two-fer CDs of Bobby Darin LPs early this summer. They are Earthy/Golden Folk Hits, You're The Reason/18 Yellow Roses, and Hello, Dolly/Venice Blue. Jim states, "Exemplar is proud to release these titles (24bit digitally remastered) as originally sequenced with original artwork and new liner notes." ( Thank you Jim Rose!)

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April 29, 2002: Rest In Peace, BJ Baker....Future probable Darin sighting.....

B.J. Baker, a backup singer on dozens of recordings from the 1950s and '60s, including Bobby's hit "Dream Lover", died April 2 in Rancho Mirage of complications from a stroke. She was 74. Our sympathies go out to her friends and family. For more about Ms. Baker, go here ( Thanks to Frank Liptik for this info)....Be sure to catch the American Bandstand 50th Anniversary Special on ABC, which airs May 3rd. Bobby should be spotlighted on this. Check your local listings for time in your area.

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March 31, 2002: New Darin Grandchild is born.....Congrats to Randy Newman

Congratulations to Dodd and Audrey Darin upon the birth of their new daughter, Olivia Rae. She was born March 9, 2002 weighing 8 lbs 5 oz., with a beautiful head of jet black hair, looking remarkably like her little sister Alexa did at birth. Mother and daughter ( and Dad and sister!) doing fine. Congratulations also to Olivia's grandmother, Sandra Dee.The Darin/Dee legacy continues.... Congratulations to singer/composer Randy Newman, who won the Oscar for best song "If I Didn't Have You" for the film "Monsters.Inc." at the 74th annual Academy Award ceremony. This was his 16th nomination and well deserved. For more on this visit the Oscar.com site. As many of you know,, Randy co-wrote Bobby's song "Look at Me" in 1964....also on the Oscar.com site, Bobby and Sandra are highlighted on the Oscar Retro Page. Just go to this link and scroll down to "Sandra Dee" and click....Happy Easter everyone!

Feb. 3, 2002: TimeLife.com issues new BD CD... Darin A&E BIO to be rebroadcast.....BBC Radio salutes Bobby.... More info on Stan Edwards Darin Tribute CD... Rest In Peace, Peggy Lee

Time Life has released a new Bobby Darin greatest hit collection ( Thanks to Keith for this information!) It looks as though, according to the TimeLife.com website this CD will be advertised on TV so be looking for a TV commercial featuring BOBBY!......The Bobby Darin A&E Biography will be rebroadcast on The A&E Network Feb. 28, 2002....BBC radio recently did a huge tribute to Bobby. Contact Darin archivist Jimmy Scalia for more information.... Here is more information about the new Stan Edwards release "My Tribute to That Darin Guy" which was co-produced by Harriet Wasser. ( Thanks to Jimmy).... All of our sincerest sympathies go out to the friends and family of Bobby's friend and comtemporary Miss Peggy Lee , who passed away January 21, 2002. Read more about Bobby and Peggy here.

Dec. 3, 2001: UK artist salutes Swing Music and Darin....E Channel's Darin "Mysteries and Scandals" to air again.... Bobby's "Mack The Knife" number one in WCBS-FM's Top 1,001 Songs of The Century countdown...

I have been informed by Darin UK fan Shane Brown, that singer Robbie Williams' new CD "Swing When You're Winning", a big band tribute album, contains "Mack The Knife," "Beyond The Sea" and a big band version of "Things." It is well worth a listen. Robbie is quite a sensation in the UK and you can learn more about him at his website......The E! Channel will re-broadcast Bobby's Mysteries and Scandals on Thursday December 6 at 1:30pm eastern time. ( Thanks to Jim Powers for this reminder)... New York's WCBS-FM 101.1 recently had their countdown of the Top 1,001 Songs of The Century and Bobby's "Mack The Knife" topped the list. Also, Bobby's "Dream Lover" came in at #185, "Splish Splash" was #285, "Beyond The Sea" was #584 and Bobby's "Christmas Auld Lang Syne" came in at number 58 on their Christmas countdown.... thanks to James and Christine for this info.

Nov. 17, 2001: New Darin CD available.... Stan Edwards Darin Tribute CD is released ....Meet the Darin Archivist...Kohl Christmas commerical with BD back on the air... Take the BD Quiz at Questar.com...Rest in Peace "Panama" Francis....

The new Darin Two-fer CD import Oh Look at Me Now/Hello Dolly to Goodbye Charlie is available at many online CD stores.... New York Jazz legend Stan Edwards has released the CD "My Tribute To That Darin Guy". This 14 track disc includes Darin standards such as " Rainbow Round My Shoulder" "That Funny Feeling" "Rainin'" "Two Of A Kind" and a medley of "Mack The Knife" "Clementine" and "Artificial Flowers". Also included is Edwards own "That Darin Guy" a tribute to Bobby's life and legacy. Co-produced by Harriet Wasser and Len Triola and musically directed by Gary Pace, the album has been reviewed by WOR DJ Joe Franklin as " a real treat" and by concert producer Ron Delsener as "heartfelt and authentic". Harriet herself says "I believe all Darin fans will want this album as part of their collection. Grab it! You'll love it !" Contact Len Triola at his website for more information on how to obtain this great CD.....Meet the official Bobby Darin archivist Jimmy Scalia here!... The TV commercial for KOHL's is running again nationwide with Bobby's "More" in the background.... Take a BD Quiz for a chance to win a five dollar gift certificate at Questar.com!.... Drummer David "Panama" Francis died on November 13th. He was 82 (born 21 December 1918, in Miami). He can be heard on "Splish Splash", "Queen Of The Hop" and "Judy Don't Be Moody" and probably on several other early Atco recordings by Bobby. Our sincere sympathies are extended to his friends and family. ( Thanks to Dik de Heer for this information.)....... Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Sept. 16, 2001: God Bless America.....Geoff Edwards chat a success... "MACK THE KNIFE..The Musical" scheduled for November...

All our prayers go out to all touched by the horrific events that took place in our nation this week. Please visit The American Red Cross website if you would like to help those in need. God Bless America and keep us strong.....The chat with Geoff Edwards was a big success and we thank Geoff for taking time out from his busy schedule to chat with us. We will do this again soon ... Jimmy Scalia has informed me that Chaz Esposito's "MACK THE KNIFE..The Musical" is scheduled to run again. It is scheduled for November 2 & 3. There will be two shows on Saturday at 2PM & 8PM. The venue is Polka Dot Playhouse, which is located on 177 State Street in Bridgeport, Conn. More details soon....

Sept.4, 2001: Online chat with Geoff Edwards Saturday Sept. 8...Thank you A&E!

Join us in the chat room to talk with actor/gameshow host/radio personality Geoff Edwards Saturday September 8 at 9pm eastern, 8pm central and 6pm pacific time. Geoff was a good friend of Bobby's and worked with him on his NBC television show in 1972 and 1973. We had a great time chatting with Geoff last year, so join the fun with us on Saturday. Check back here for any last minute time changes..... Please note: You will have to be registered with TalkCity.com, the company who hosts the chat room before you can enter the chat room. The instructions are here at Talkcity.com but if you have any questions about this email me and I will try to help. I would strongly suggest NOT registering at the last minute , this will save you time.... Special thanks to A&E and Peter Jones Productions for the outstanding A&E Biography on Bobby that aired last week...we all loved the show!

August 27, 2001: Darin A&E Biography airing Wednesday...Bobby heard in Kodak Commerical

It is almost here...the debut of Bobby's A&E Biography , which airs Wednesday August 29, 2001. Don't miss this! You may also purchase Bobby's Bio from A&E in VHS or DVD format. This package will include all the programs that air this week on Biography -- The Hitmakers, Warwick, and the others, as well as Bobby's Bio. A Very Good value! More info is here. ....Bobby's rendition of "Beautiful Things" can be heard on a new Kodak commerical. It has been seen recently during the airing of the WB network TV series "Charmed". ( Thanks to Donna and Jimmy for the info.)

July 2, 2001: Harriet Wasser promoting new artist....

Harriet asked me to mention this, and I thank Steve Taskler, webmaster of JohnnyMercer.com for this great write -up:

Harriet Wasser ,who was so involved with Bobby during the early stages of his career, informed us that there is a wonderful singer on the current jazz scene. His name is Steve Kaiser and he will be performing on Sunday nights,, July 22nd and July 29th at the Chez Suzette...located 675B Ninth Avenue, New York City (Between 46 & 47 Streets). Reservations: 212 974-9002. Steve will be doing a show which he calls "Mercer and More"..which will also include songs from his 2 CD's and his extensive repertoire. Don't miss this guy. According to Harriet, he is incredible!!

Also, Harriet will be interviewed on The Joey Reynolds Show on WOR-AM this coming Wednesday. Check their website for details.

June 9, 2001: Darin A&E BIO rescheduled...BD film on DVD....
Update on new CD two-fers .....

The A&E BIOGRAPHY on Bobby Darin is now scheduled to air on August 29th.... Bobby's film "Hell Is For Heroes" is now available on DVD. Please purchase it through The Bobby Darin Award Amazon link. This will help a worthy cause and keeps Bobby's memory alive.... The New import Two-fer CDs( see info below in previous update) are apparently ready to be released. You can try ordering them using the The Bobby Darin Award Amazon link in the UK section of Amazon.

May 25, 2001:New Bobby CD releases....article on Bobby in Sheet Music Magazine... Interesting Bobby Darin auction item on Ebay

New CDs out soon include 3 two-fer releases from Warner Bros. Europe, they are listed as follows: A) Bobby Darin (First atco LP)/ Two-Of-A-Kind, B) Love Swings/Twist with Bobby Darin and C) That's All/ This Is Bobby Darin. They retail for 16.99 each and have been advertised in rock periodicals by Rock Classics. Check their website and contact them for more information.... "The Very Best Of Bobby Darin",a new 30 track BD compilation is scheduled for release mid-July 2001 from Good Music Record Company. A great article about Bobby by Gene Lees is included in the May/June issue of their publication Sheet Music Magazine. More details on the CD are coming soon. (Thank you Bob Morgan for this information)....Andrea Darin is currently offering for sale a beautiful rare wedding gift she and Bobby received in 1973. We would like all Bobby's fans to see this special collectors item and if you are interested, please place a bid.

March 13, 2001: Darin article in April IN-TUNE Magazine.....
Upcoming BD TV appearances....

Bobby Darin will be featured on the cover and in an article written by Jimmy Scalia in the April issue of IN TUNE Magazine. For ordering information please visit the IN-TUNE site at the link above. You can also read the publications current review of Bobby's "Live at the Flamingo" CD , written by Gerry Stonestreet here. Thanks to Jimmy for the info.... Be sure to check out BD's upcoming TV schedule for March at TV-Now.

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March 9, 2001: Bobby's "Mack The Knife" does well in "Songs of the Century" Poll... Bobby to be on Game Show Network

Bobby Darin's "Mack The Knife" came in at number 15 in the "Songs of the Century" poll conducted by the Recording Industry of America Association (RIAA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The list, which was released Wednesday, March 7,2001; ranks the top 365 songs of the last 100 years, picked by voters from all walks of life. More about the list can be found here..... Bobby's appearance on a "What's My Line" episode will be broadcast on Sunday March 11, 2001 on The Game Show Network. Check GSN's schedule for times in your area. This episode also featured Johnny Mercer.

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Feb. 27, 2001: Darin A&E BIO premiere date changed...Wilson School "Jump for Heart" a success...

According to producers at Peter Jones Productions, the A&E Biography on Bobby Darin has been rescheduled for August 14, 2001....The "Jump Rope For Heart" event at Wilson School in Lodi NJ was a success, click here for more information.

Feb. 19, 2001: Singer/Songwriter Charles Trenet dies in Paris

Legendary Singer/Songwriter Charles Trenet, who with Jack Lawrence composed Bobby Darin's beautiful classic "Beyond The Sea", died of a stroke Sunday evening Feb 18. He was 87. Our sympathies are with his friends and family. More is here. ( Thank you Barbara Bassett for this link.)

Feb. 13, 2001: New Darin CD due in March....Darin Photo Gallery at IMDB.COM

According to the Bobby Darin estate, Capitol is preparing a Darin compilation CD entitled: "STANDARDS". It is scheduled to come out March of 2001 and has 22 tracks which are as follows:

Beautiful pictures of Bobby ( and Sandra Dee) at the Oscars can be seen in the photo gallery at Internet Movie Data Base. Go to this link and click on Photo gallery icon...thanks to Bridget Murphy for this information.

Feb.9, 2001: Darin tribute at Mr Lucky.com

Bobby can be heard in real audio at "On the Air with MisterLucky" throughout the month of February. Please give it a listen.

Feb.4, 2001: Darin song in new movie soundtrack...New CD release

Bobby's Atlantic recording "The Other Half of Me" will be included in the soundtrack of the upcoming romantic drama "Sweet November" . The film stars Charlize Theron and Keanu Reeves and opens on February 16, 2001. (Thanks to Steve Blauner, Harriet Wasser, and Donna Carter for this info)... EMI will be releasing two BD Capitol LP's "Hello Dolly to Goodbye Charlie" and "Oh Look At Me Now" as a two-for-one CD in September 2001 ( Thanks to Frank Lipsik for this information).....