John Anderson’s Reaction to the Death of Bobby Vee

Another voice has been added to rock and roll heaven. Bobby Vee died Monday at age 73.

He was one of my favorites, and not just because he had a cool '65 Mustang convertible. When I was working my first radio gig in Aitkin, Minn., and I had the chance to play some oldies tunes, Bobby Vee was one of the most requested. He even called in himself one time. I wish I had recorded the call.

He got started at age 15, filling in Moorhead for the late Big Bopper, Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens, who had died in that famous plane crash. He had 38 top 100 hits from 1959 to 1970.

According to billboard.com here are some of the most popular ones.

• Take Good Care of My Baby: Sept. 23, 1961
• Run to Him: Dec. 30, 1961
• The Night Has a Thousand Eyes: Feb. 2, 1963
• Rubber Ball: Jan. 14, 1961
• Devil or Angel: Oct. 22, 1960
• Charms: May 11, 1963
• Sharing You: July 7, 1962
• Please Don’t Ask About Barbara: April 7, 1962
• Punish Her: Oct. 13, 1962
• Stayin’ In: March 18, 1961

He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2011. According to his family, as of March of this year he still recognized his family and could hum along to some of his favorite songs but needed round-the-clock care.

He had been staying at a memory care facility in Rogers at the time of his death.