Remembering the life of teen star Bobby Vee – who got his break the day the music died
February 3,1959 will long be remembered as the day the music died, but for the “Baby Face” singer Bobby Vee, it was the day his career was given life…
Pop singer Bobby Vee. (Photo by Michael Levin/Corbis via Getty Images)
Bobby Vee, who’s known for chart-topping hits like “Take Good Care of My Baby” and “Suzie Baby,” got his lucky break on the same day the music world was crushed by tragedy.
Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, the Big Bopper, Dion and other pop stars, were travelling on a tour bus, performing 24 back-to-back shows through the rough and snowy terrain of the Midwest in the Winter Party Tour, which is known as rock & roll’s “Tour from Hell.”
Tired of being on the unheated bus–some artists had gotten frostbite and the flu–Holly chartered a single-engine aircraft to quickly carry him, Valens, and the Big Bopper from Clear Lake, IA to the next stop, in Moorhead, MN, which is a six-minute drive from Fargo, ND, the home of the then 15-year-old Bobby Vee.
It was just before 1 a.m. when the plane crashed killing the pilot and all three stars, a dark day observed by singer-songwriter Don McLean in his 1972 pop song “American Pie.”
Despite the tragic loss of music’s greatest stars, which was felt across the world, the tour went on, with new headliners Jimmy Clanton, Fabian & Frankie Avalon. Frankie Sardo, Dion & The Belmonts, and The (new) Crickets–who took the bus to Moorhead–continued until the end of the tour.
That day, Vee’s name would also appear on the playbill as a headliner.
Vee, born Robert Thomas Velline, was a fresh-faced, clean-cut boy whose love for music was inherited from his musical family. Learning how to play the guitar from his big brother Bill, Vee used his earnings from his paper route to purchase his first guitar, and practiced in a band with Bill and two high school friends, Dick Dunkirk and Bob Korum.
On February 3, the two brothers had tickets to the star-packed Moorhead event, The Winter Dance Party, with the headliner, Buddy Holly, whom Vee idolized.
“Like so many other people, I became a Buddy Holly fan the very first time I heard him sing,” Vee said.
Learning of the crash, Vee said he was “stunned.”
“I remember a few years ago when Buddy was scheduled to appear at a dance in my home town of Fargo, North Dakota. It was going to be a big event for the whole town, but even more so for me. I was anxiously looking forward to seeing Buddy in action. The day he was to arrive disaster struck, taking Buddy’s life, along with the lives of two other fine singers, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. The shocking news spread through Fargo very quickly,” Vee said.
The news spread and a local DJ delivered desperate pleas for replacement performers. Though never having played before an audience, Vee and his band volunteered.
The boys had three hours to prepare, and they only had about six songs to perform.
“Our style was modelled after Buddy’s approach and we had been rehearsing with Buddy’s hits in mind. When we heard the radio plea for talent, we went in and volunteered. We hadn’t even named the group up to that time, so we gave ourselves a name on the spot, calling ourselves The Shadows.”
After a tribute by Waylon Jennings–Holly’s bass player and future country music star–the quartet was put on stage as the Shadows, a name Vee chose on the spot.
“It changed my life. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for that show,” Vee said, recalling that lucky day.
When the show ended, the tour continued with headliners Jimmy Clanton and Frankie Avalon, but the Shadows were left behind.
Their next gig was a Valentine’s Day show at a high school gymnasium, where they earned $60, and in the following months, they added a pianist, Elston Gunnn, to their roster.
That pianist was Bobby Zimmerman, now known as Bob Dylan.
“He was in The Shadows. Yeah, he played piano, but he didn’t play very well, and we didn’t have a piano. He talks about playing in a church basement, and that’s true,” Vee said about Dylan. “The piano was horribly out of tune. He could play “Whole Lot Of Shakin’ Going On.” He played really well in the key of C, but that was about it.”
Dylan moved on from the band and found his place in folk music with a guitar.
St. Joseph,Mn.,Tues.,Nov. 30,2004–Former teen idol Bobby Vee at the door to his recording studio, Rockhouse Studio, on the main street of St. Joseph which he runs with his sons. On the door is a poster for his “Up North December” tour. (Photo by JOEY MCLEISTER/Star Tribune via Getty Images)
And Bobby Vee went on to record 38 Top 100 songs from 1959 to 1970, hitting No. 1 in 1961 with the Carole King-Gerry Goffin song “Take Care Good of My Baby,” and “Run to Him,” reaching No. 2. Other hits include “Run to Him,” “Rubber Ball,” “The Night Has A Thousand Eyes,” “Come Back When You Grow Up,” and “Punish Her.”
Vee continued to perform with his new band the Vees, made of sons Robby, Tommy, and Jeff, until 2011, when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative and incurable brain disorder.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Vee stumbled in finding his words and said, “It’s not getting any better, I can tell you that. But I’m doing the best I can.”
Still, in 2014, Vee released The Adobe Sessions, a jam session recorded with family members featuring some of his favorite songs from Townes Van Zandt, Gordon Lightfoot and Ricky Nelson. It was released on the 55th anniversary of the Buddy Holly plane crash.
After having four children and 50 years of marriage, Vee’s wife Karen died of kidney failure in 2015 at age 71. Bobby Vee died the next year at 73.
Speaking of his condition, and his life, Vee said in an interview, “But I’m not going to cry about it. God brought me home. And that’s the deal.”
What a voice he had, Bobby Vee was great! It’s hard to imagine he only had one # 1 song, they were all great. Those were so much simpler days back then.
Do you remember listening to Bobby Vee? Feel free to share your memories in the comment section and don’t forget to share this article with all of your friends on Facebook.
Whiten Your Teeth – Home Remedy with Ginger & Salt
Want instantly brighter teeth? This quick and natural ginger and salt remedy lifts stains, eliminates bacteria, and enhances your smile
Why Ginger & Salt Work for Whitening Teeth
✔ Removes Yellow Stains – Salt works as a natural exfoliant to cleanse and polish the enamel. ✔ K-ills Bacteria & Plaque – Ginger is packed with antibacterial properties to fight bad breath ✔ Strengthens Gums – Helps to reduce gum inflammation and sensitivity ✔ Fast & Effective – Works in just one use for a brighter smile
How to Make & Use the Ginger & Salt Whitening Treatment
Ingredients:
½ teaspoon fresh ginger (grated or powdered) ¼ teaspoon salt (fine sea salt or Himalayan salt) A few drops of water (to form a paste)
Instructions:
– Step 1: Grate fresh ginger or use powdered ginger. – Step 2: Mix it with salt in a small bowl. – Step 3: Add a few drops of water to create a thick paste. – Step 4; Apply the paste to your toothbrush and gently brush for 2 minutes. – Step 5: Rinse well with warm water and enjoy your whiter teeth!
💡 Use this method only 2-3 times a week to avoid enamel damage.
Extra Tips for Brighter Teeth
✔ for extra whitening power, Brush with baking soda once a week ✔ Rinse with coconut oil (oil pulling) for deep cleaning and freshness ✔ Eat crunchy fruits like apples and carrots to naturally clean enamel ✔ Avoid tea, coffee, and smoking, which stain teeth over time
Inside the hectic life of Australia’s biggest family
When Jeni first met her husband Ray, she was certain of one thing — she never wanted children.
“Ray wanted at least four kids. I thought that was crazy. Like, who has that many children?” Jeni told Mamamia.
Now, over three decades later, they are the proud parents of 16 children.
$600 every week on groceries
If you’re from Australia, you might have heard of them, but for me, it was a real shock when I first started reading about The Bonell Family.
Life for the Bonell family, who are raising 16 kids in Australia, is anything but ordinary. From feeding their large brood to coordinating the chaos of daily life, Jeni and Ray Bonell have mastered the art of juggling it all — and with a healthy dose of humor, too.
The Bonell family, from Queensland’s Toowoomba, is made up of nine boys and seven girls – Jesse, 35, Brooke, 34, Claire, 31, Natalie, 30, Karl, 28, Samuel, 26, Cameron, 25, Sabrina, 24, Tim, 22, Brandon, 20, Eve, 19, Nate, 17, Rachel, 16, Eric, 15, Damian, 14 and Katelyn, 10.
Comedian Jim Gaffigan once joked, “You know what it’s like having a fourth kid? Imagine you’re drowning, then someone hands you a baby.” So what’s it like to have sixteen kids?
Jeni, the mother at the helm, spends a staggering $600 every week on groceries just to keep their pantry stocked. With inflation hitting hard, that budget has crept up by $50. For a family of 18 (with 8 kids still living at home), it takes a lot to keep everyone well-fed.
The weekly grocery list is nothing short of impressive: 17 three-litre bottles of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, 45 tubs of yogurt, and a whopping four dozen eggs.
“We go through 50 litres of milk each week and one to two loaves of bread every day,” says Jeni.
Getting a good family photo is difficult
It’s a logistical nightmare for anyone, but for the Bonells, it’s all part of the rhythm of life. The Bonell family’s home life is a carefully choreographed routine.
“Getting a good family photo is difficult,” says Jeni, laughing. “You need an extra-wide lens, and there’s always someone looking away, pulling a funny face, or with their eyes closed. But we enjoy those little quirks in the photos. They’re not picture perfect, but that’s part of the fun.”
With 16 kids, it’s not just about taking photos — it’s about keeping up with the whirlwind of daily life.
Imagine having 16 kids, a full-time job, part-time jobs, and a household to run. That’s the reality for Jeni and Ray.
“I used to think life was busy with little kids,” says Jeni, “but I’m certainly busier these days with older children.” Between coordinating three different schools, sporting activities, part-time jobs, and the older kids’ studies, it’s a juggling act. And yet, Jeni wouldn’t have it any other way. “Life is very hectic – but it’s good.”
The evening routine in their home is a perfect reflection of the Bonell family dynamic. “Take an average-sized family and multiply it by eight, and that’s what our evening routine is like,” Jeni laughs.
Stretching every dollar
Some nights it’s total chaos; other nights, everything falls into place like a well-oiled machine. But regardless of how the evening unfolds, one thing is always consistent: dinner time. “Dinner is always great,” Jeni explains. “Some nights we have eight people at the table, other nights we have more than 20!”
The Bonells are pros at stretching every dollar. Jeni is known for her budget-friendly meals that cost between $2 and $10. She often shares her grocery trips on YouTube to help others manage their food costs.
“It’s a struggle for everyone at the moment,” says Jeni, “We’re all feeling that pinch with the budget.” To stay organized, Jeni uses a chore chart to divide household responsibilities, making sure everyone from age eight upwards pitches in. The kids are also taught to cook from a young age. “Our 12-year-old can put a roast dinner on for 20 people with almost no supervision,” Jeni says with pride.
The laundry load in a house like theirs is equally immense. Jeni does three full loads of laundry every day, which amounts to about six average-sized loads. And when it comes to grocery shopping, Jeni fills up two trolleys each week. “I always need one of the kids to help with the load,” she says.
The Bonell Family religion
When it comes to their finances, the Bonells have learned to make sacrifices. While they pay off their home mortgage, the financial pressures are still real. “It’s expensive and you definitely have to make sacrifices with your budget,” says Jeni. “But we all work, and our family doesn’t live off the taxpayer. However, we do get a lot of criticism for having so many kids.”
Although the Bonells are deeply religious and regularly attend church, Jeni insists that their large family isn’t solely the result of their strong faith.
“God has a funny sense of humour,” says Jeni. They have no regrets, though. ”It just feels right for us,” says Ray, who works as an electrician. ”People have to do what’s right for them. Having 16 kids is not for everyone, but it’s what works for us.”
Despite their busy lives, Jeni and Ray find moments for themselves. “Do I get alone time with my wife? Of course, I do. We make time for each other,” says Ray with a smile. “It’s important to look after each other.”
Their two older children have now left home and are married, adding to the family dynamic as Jeni and Ray become grandparents to two grandchildren. It’s proof that the Bonell family just keeps growing. But with each addition, the love, laughter, and sense of togetherness only deepen.
Inside their roster system
In a family where organization is key, the Bonells have developed a solid routine. From prepping school uniforms and lunches the night before to creating a rotation system for chores, the Bonells make it work.
“We have a roster system, so when a kid turns eight, they get put on the roster,” says Jeni. “They rotate through chores like sweeping, mopping the floor, packing up the table, and helping with meal prep.”
When it comes to snacks, Jeni has a few favorites she shares with fans on YouTube, including air fryer egg cups and air fryer pizza bites. Both snacks are simple to prepare, freeze well, and are perfect for school lunches.
For the Bonells, it’s all about creating a system that allows everyone to pitch in and contribute. And despite the chaos of managing a household of 16, it’s clear that love, teamwork, and humor keep the Bonell family thriving.
Whether it’s feeding the kids, running a household, or finding time for a quick coffee date, the Bonells make it all work — and they do it with a smile.
At the end of the day, the Bonell family proves that with a little creativity, a lot of organization, and plenty of love, you can make just about anything work. Sure, raising 16 kids isn’t easy, but for Jeni and Ray, it’s all part of the adventure.
Whether it’s sharing tips on how to feed a crowd on a budget, keeping up with the endless laundry, or just enjoying the chaos of family life, the Bonells know how to make it happen. And through it all, they’re creating a home full of memories, laughter, and endless love. If there’s one thing we can all take away from this, it’s that family, no matter how big, is always worth it.
Tiger Woods posts an emotional message on social media announcing the death of his mother, Kultida, saying, “My Mom Was Force Of Nature
In a heartfelt social media statement, Tiger Woods revealed that his mother, Kultida Woods, has passed away at the age of 78. She is his “biggest fan” and a “force of nature,” according to the 15-time major champion.
“I want to share with you my deepest sorrow that my beloved mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” Tiger wrote in his touching letter. My mother’s spirit was just indisputable; she was a force of nature all her own.
She laughed and used the needle quickly. “She was my biggest supporter and fan, and without her, none of my personal accomplishments would have been possible,” he continued. Her two grandsons, Sam and Charlie, adored her more than anyone else. I appreciate everyone’s prayers, support, and privacy at this trying time for my family and myself. I adore you, Mom.
Kultida, who is originally from Thailand, met Tiger’s father, Earl Woods, in the late 1960s when he was serving with the US military in Bangkok, according to Fox News. After being married in 1969, the pair moved to Brooklyn, New York, and finally settled in Cypress, California, where their only child, Tiger-born Eldrick Woods, was born.
Eldrick was given his parents’ names, K for Kultida and E for Earl. Tiger Phong, his father’s lost companion in Vietnam, inspired the golf champion’s nickname. At the age of 74, Earl passed away in 2006.
During one of the golfer’s darkest moments, Kultida supported her son. In a widely reported news appearance in 2010, he admitted to having several extramarital affairs. Tiger’s mother, who was seated in the front row of the public confession, acknowledged that he had “stopped living by the core values” that his parents had taught him and that his behaviour was unacceptable.
penultimate year, Tiger Woods said on The Tonight Show that his mother was the reason he was able to don the now-famous red and black ensemble that he donned on the penultimate day of golf competitions. Published at 10:45 AM IST on Wednesday, February 5, 2025