Bobby Darin, Dinah Shore and André Previn Are Doin’ It
When remembered today, Bobby Darin is thought of as a tough and brash, young nightclub singer whose hits include many people’s definitive version of “Mac the Knife” and the silly ditty, “Splish, Splash.”
Darin was born Walden Robert Cassotto in East Harlem, NYC, the grandson of Genovese Family solider. The child who would become the singer was born with health problems that would plague him throughout his 37 years of life. He began his career as a successful young songwriter writing for singer Connie Francis. He often partnered with a young and up-and coming individual in the entertainment industry, Don Kirschner to write commercials and jingles for advertisers.
“Splish Splash” was Darin’s first hit in 1958. He’d go on to write and record his first multi-million selling hit, “Dream Lover,” in 1959. Other recorded hits included his swinging version of “Mac the Knife” “Beyond the Sea.” Bobby Darin also a multi-instrumentalist and won a Golden Globe for his acting in the film, “Come September.” Darin’s health plagued him his whole life. He succumbed to a blood infection at the age of just 37.
This clip demonstrates the depth of Darin’s talent as a singer. From an era of live television that regularly demanded much from entertainers, the performance of Darin and Shore, singing and dancing on top of Previn’s piano is remarkable.