Bobby Vee Net Worth

Bobby Vee’s Net Worth: A Look at the Life and Legacy of a Pop Icon

Early Life and The Shadows: The Tragic Catalyst

Robert Thomas Velline, known to the world as Bobby Vee, was an American pop music singer who achieved significant success in the early 1960s. At the time of his death on October 24, 2016, at the age of 73, Bobby Vee’s net worth was estimated at $10 million. His career, marked by a string of hits and a distinctive boy-next-door image, made him a prominent figure in the pre-Beatles era of pop music.

Born on April 30, 1943, in Fargo, North Dakota, Vee’s musical journey began in his teenage years. Along with his brother Bill and friend Bob Korum, he formed his first band, the Shadows. Their pivotal moment arrived under tragic circumstances. In February 1959, at a music festival where Vee, then only 15, was scheduled to perform, a plane crash claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper. The Shadows stepped up to fill the headline slot, turning a moment of grief into an unexpected launchpad for their career.

Shortly after this fateful event, the Shadows were discovered by famed producer Snuff Garrett, and they signed with Liberty Records. This marked the beginning of their professional recording career, and their independent record “Suzie Baby” was released on a major label.

Hulton Archive/Hulton Archive

Solo Success and Chart-Topping Hits: Vee’s Rise to Fame

Capitalizing on his youthful appeal and clean-cut image, Bobby Vee decided to pursue a solo career. While his early solo recordings didn’t immediately achieve the success he had hoped for, he soon found his footing in the pop music landscape. A cover of the Clovers’ 1956 hit “Devil or Angel” earned Vee a spot in the US Top 10, and was followed by other hits.

The period from 1961 to 1962 represented the peak of his career. During this time, Vee produced a string of memorable hits. Among his most popular songs were:

• “More Than I Can Say”
• “How Many Tears”
• “Take Good Care Of My Baby” (which reached number 1 in the US)
• “Please Don’t Ask About Barbara”
• “Sharing You”

However, one of his most enduring songs, the imaginatively titled “The Night Has A Thousand Eyes,” solidified his place in music history.

The Beatles Era and Later Career: Adapting to Change

The arrival of the Beatles in the mid-1960s marked a significant shift in the music industry. Vee, like many other artists of his generation, saw his appeal wane as tastes changed. Despite this, he made a couple of film appearances, in “Just For Fun” and “C’mon, Let’s Live A Little,” but he remained largely out of the spotlight in terms of mainstream success.

However, Vee showed resilience and adaptability. In 1967, he made a return to the US Top 5 with “Come Back When You Grow Up.” He continued to perform regularly at rock ‘n’ roll revival shows and never stopped recording new material, demonstrating his commitment to his craft throughout his career.

Bobby Vee’s Net Worth at the Time of Death

At the time of his death in 2016, Bobby Vee’s estimated net worth was $10 million. This figure reflects his successful career in the music industry, including record sales, royalties, concert performances, and other ventures.

Legacy and Influence

Bobby Vee left behind a significant legacy in the world of pop music. He was a prominent figure in the transition from the rock and roll era to the British Invasion. His distinctive voice, clean-cut image, and string of hits have solidified his place in music history. He is remembered not only for his music but also for his resilience and his ability to adapt to the changing landscape of the music industry.