Bobby Darin
Bobby Darin, born Walden Robert Cassotto on May 14, 1936, in New York City, was an influential American singer, songwriter, and actor. He became a prominent figure in pop entertainment during the late 1950s and 1960s. Darin's early life was marked by a challenging childhood in the Bronx, where he was raised under the belief that his grandparents were his parents, and his mother was his sister. This revelation came to light when he was 32, profoundly affecting him.
Despite being diagnosed with a heart defect at age 8 and not expected to live past 16, Darin's determination drove him to pursue a career in music. He began performing in New York City coffeehouses and transitioned to recording in the late 1950s. His breakthrough came in 1958 with the hit single "Splish Splash," followed by "Dream Lover," "Mack the Knife," and "Beyond the Sea," which solidified his international fame. Darin's rendition of "Mack the Knife" earned him two Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist.
In addition to his music career, Darin ventured into acting, winning a Golden Globe for his role in "Come September" alongside his first wife, Sandra Dee. He also received an Academy Award nomination for "Captain Newman, M.D." in 1963. During the 1960s, Darin became politically active, notably supporting Robert F. Kennedy's presidential campaign.
Darin's health declined in the 1970s, leading to his untimely death on December 20, 1973, at the age of 37, following heart surgery in Los Angeles. His legacy endures, with posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and he remains celebrated for his contributions to music and entertainment.
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