Legendary entertainer Bobby Darin had a wide range of talent. Born Walden Robert Cassotto on May 14th, 1936, Darin rose from poor beginnings in Harlem and the south Bronx. He also fought rheumatic fever as a child which damaged his heart and plagued him throughout his life. As a result of these obstacles, he worked extremely hard to overcome them. Knowing his life would not be a long one, his ambition to succeed was fueled by an over-whelming desire to make it big in show business.

After graduating from The Bronx High School of Science and attending Hunter College for one year, Darin started out, first as a demo writer then as a demo singer at the Legendary Brill Building in New York City, along with future stars Connie Francis and Don Kirschner.In 1957, he recorded for Decca, but found fame at Atco records in 1958, with his first hit records "Splish Splash" and "Dream Lover"both of which he composed.

Late in 1958,Bobby Darin recorded the album "That's All",a Lp of standards, upon the suggestion of his publicist and friend Harriet Wasser.This Lp contained his signature song "Mack The Knife", which won the 1959 "Record Of The Year" and Darin the "Best New Artist" Grammy. "Mack The Knife"was number one on the Billboard charts for nine weeks in 1959 and is one of the biggest selling records in history. Bobby Darin was the first young singer to bridge the single record and album gap between the teenage and adult buying public.

Darin appeared in Las Vegas with his close friend Mr.George Burns in 1959, and began an exciting nightclub career.Managed by Steve Blauner,Darin,at the young age of 23,performed at many major night clubs in the country, such as The Flamingo, The Sands and The Hilton in Las Vegas; the Cloister in Los Angeles and the Copacabana in New York. Bobby not only sang, but did impressions and played several instruments in his concerts. He was popular with adults and teenagers alike at the clubs, breaking attendance records and performing to standing room only crowds. Darin had a personal magnetism which seemed to draw fans and adultation as a magnet draws steel. He continued this part of his career up until August of 1973, when he was unable to continue because of illness.



Source: www.bobbydarin.com