I remember watching Bobby Darin from time to time on television when I was a kid. I think it was on The Ed Sullivan Show or maybe on Darin’s own television show, which he hosted for a couple years before his death in 1973.
Mostly I remember that he sung the songs “Splish, Splash” and “Mack the Knife.” When I was a kid, I thought he was cool. Not as cool as Elvis, maybe, but there was something about him that caught my eye.
As an adult, I have a deeper appreciation for him. But that’s only since I watched his performances on the new DVD, Bobby Darin: Seeing Is Believing. When the disc came open for review, I volunteered because of Darin’s name. I remembered the song from the 1950s and thought it would be a fun review to do. What I hadn’t counted on was being more intrigued by him now than I ever was.
The world hasn’t forgotten Bobby Darin. His music is still with us on oldies stations and in movies. Kevin Spacey was so taken with Darin that he did a bio-pic about him, Beyond the Sea, and there are five of Darin’s songs throughout American Beauty. McDonald’s underscored an ad campaign with the song “Mack the Knife.”
But when I watched the DVD of the performances, some of them from Darin’s early years and a few only months before his untimely death, I saw something in him that I hadn’t seen as a kid. Or maybe, something that I truly hadn’t recognized for what it was but had responded to on a kid level and just accepted without thinking.
When I watched Darin on the DVD, he came alive. His performances are good, entertaining, and very watchable. But the thing that caught my eye was how much Darin enjoyed what he was doing. When he was up there on that stage in front of an audience, he was having the time of his life. I saw it in his eyes, in his easy smile, and the way he just reached out to an audience and captured them with just a few lines of song.
That’s magic. Most people don’t realize it for what it is. Humphrey Bogart had the same thing in his acting. Bret Michaels of the metal band Poison had it. There are a lot of other people who have it too, and many of them are people I do business with who are plumbers, carpenters, writers, and musicians.
Article comments
1 - Douglas A. Waltz
I don't know that I would have used the guy from Poison as a comparison to the intensity that Bobby Darin brought to the stage. Other than that, great article. I'm a big Darin fan as well.
2 - Lil Doozcoop
So glad that like those of us newer fans you've opened your ears, eyes and mind to Darin's magnetic allure. But you really need to see "Mack is Back", the DVD of Darin's final NBC unedited performance which he did nightclub style for his last show. This shows off Darin's command of folk and country as well as swing and blues. It also allows all the linking patter and comedy routines to come through so we appreciate the wit and charm of the man.
And you really need to hear his 2 Directions albums to appreciate what a fine songwriter and committed political activist he was.
Only then can you appreciate the true genius of this Rennaissance Man.
3 - carmen greene
I agree with everything what have been said about Bobby Darin. He is the greatest Legend that ever lived. There wad nobody like him, is or will be.
He induces every feeling that exist in the human heart and soul with such passion and truth, it is incredible. Thank you Bobby for the many joyful hours you provide for my life every single day.
A real GENIUS, much more then Sinatra and many others.
Carmen Greene
4 - sr
Thank you Mel. RIP Bobby. You were beyound greatest.
5 - Michael
Thank you for pointing out in your review what I think is one of the most important reasons Bobby Darin is so brilliant: He loved his work. And his love for performing is infectious. Watch him do his thing, and you feel like you're part of it. He truly is one of the greats, and should be mentioned right alongside Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Buddy Holly, and so many others, as an original and a legend.