Eighty years young, Bobby Vinton, aka “The Polish Prince,” is still wowing audiences with his boyish good looks, mastery of live performance and almost endless catalog of hit records.
Synonymous with the classic songs “Blue Velvet,” “Roses are Read,” “Mr. Lonely,” “I Love How You Love Me,” “Blue on Blue,” Sealed With A Kiss” and “My Special Angel,” Vinton released 30 Top 40 hits in the 60’s and 70’s, with 24 of his albums making Billboard’s Top 200.
“In 1963, I was the most programmed artist in America according to Billboard Magazine,” said Vinton, from his Florida home. “I was number one, Elvis was two and Sinatra was three. Being played on the radio more than those guys – that’s Billboard Magazine not me talking – I look back and I can’t believe it. I’m proud. That’s why I’m bragging to you (laughs).”
Growing up in Canonsburg, Pa., a suburb of Pittsburgh, Vinton followed in the footsteps of his bandleader father.
“I would back up the stars who would come to town,” said Vinton. “I was an arranger. I could write the music from the record and make a big band sound. Connie Francis, Brenda Lee and Chubby Checker were some of the many artists who would come through town. I was their bandleader.”
“Dick Clark heard about me,” said Vinton. “So, he hired me to be his bandleader, and I went on tour with him on his “Tour of the Stars.” I was so excited to be around these top recording artists who had number one records, and I was in the band. I was able to understand the music. I would look out at the audience and see what they liked, what was working and what didn’t work. So I had great preparation to record myself.”
Signed to Epic Records in 1960, Vinton got off to a less then auspicious start with the label by releasing a pair of disappointing albums.
It wasn’t until his third album, “Roses Are Red” (1962), featuring the smash title hit “Roses Are Red,” that Vinton rocketed to stardom.
A succession of hits followed. “Blue Velvet” and “There! I Said It Again” (1963) reached the top spot in 1963 followed by “Blue On Blue”(1963) and “Mr. Lonely” in 1964.
“I was ready for success when it happened for me,” said Vinton. “It pays to pay your dues. You have to pay your dues in life, not only as a performer but also as a person. You see, there are a lot of people who go out there and look good and sing their hits, but unless you’ve got that knowledge of how to handle yourself and be smart, that has a lot to do with it too. It isn’t all just musical talent. It’s basic life talent.”
“I was lucky with the right songs,” adds Vinton. “They were more than just teenage rock and roll. They had a lot of substance and meaning. My songs are kind of timeless. I thank God everyday,” said Vinton. “I can’t get over that you gave me all these number one records. It’s unbelievable! I had no idea it would last. It’s almost like a miracle. God has blessed me.”
With interest in 50’s rock and roll fading and the teen idol phenomenon of the early 60’s becoming passe, the multitalented Vinton fit the bill for teenage audiences.
The British Invasion in 1964 dethroned Vinton and many of his contemporaries. Redefining his demographic to appeal to adult audiences, Vinton continued to deliver hits for the remainder of the decade with songs such as “Please Love Me Forever”(1967) and another Number 1 hit “I Love How You Love Me” (1969).
By the 70’s, now billed as the “Polish Prince,” the hotel and nightclub circuit became Vinton’s stage. He returned to the charts with the singles “Sealed With a Kiss” (1972) and “Melody of Love” (1974). The following year “The Bobby Vinton Show” was launched, enjoying a three-year run.
Proud of his Polish heritage, Vinton spoke about how he came to be known as “The Polish Prince.”
“I did a show in Chicago,” said Vinton. “There are more Polish people in Chicago than in Warsaw. That year, the late Mayor Daly came to my show, because he needed the votes apparently. He gave up having dinner with the King of Sweden to come to my show. The press was really upset in Chicago. They said, ‘How can you stand up the King of Sweden?’ and he said, ‘Because, I went to see Bobby Vinton, “The Polish Prince.”‘
“I’m leaving that morning, and I’m looking at the front page of the Chicago Tribune,” said Vinton. “There’s a picture of me and Mayor Daly and it said, ‘Mayor Daly Declares Bobby Vinton the Polish Prince.’ I’ve been called that ever since.”
Since the 80’s, Vinton has remained a successful concert draw in the clubs, casinos and on oldies concert tours. No longer a charting artist, Vinton enjoys performing sold out concerts to an audience that has remained loyal.
“I can’t wait to go on stage,” said Vinton. “It’s like I’m in a different world. I’m leaving reality. I’m stepping into a world where people are friendly, everybody likes you and admires you, and you’re giving them something that is yours, and you’re sharing it with them. It’s a wonderful feeling. That’s why entertainers – Tony Bennett and people like that – just keep on doing it while they can. It’s hard to explain. For those of us who possess it, which I’m fortunate enough to say that I do, it’s just a great place to be. I hate to get off stage, because it’s so rewarding to be there.”
“We put on a powerful show,” said Vinton. “I still use the trumpets and the trombones, the powerhouse of that era. In a way, that era’s gone, and nobody does it anymore. So, when I come out with my Las Vegas-style show, it’s almost new and refreshing to a generation of people who haven’t seen that to hear this form of entertainment that I do. It’s almost new again to an audience out there. There’s always something special that I try to do with the songs.”
Vinton credits his years of notoriety, awards and adulation to clean living and a positive attitude.
“I enjoy life, and I enjoy what I’m doing. I didn’t do anything too stupid,” reflects Vinton. “I never really smoked or drank. Never took drugs. I was always smart. I don’t hate anybody. I look at the good side of life, and I believe that if you have that feeling inside of you it shows from the outside.”
“I’m not looking for material things anymore,” adds Vinton. “What I’m looking for is good health and friendship and love. You go through phases in life. A gold record I certainly appreciate having, but I don’t really hang them up and look at them every day and make that a part of my life. There was a time. It’s gone, and today is today.”
If you goWhat: Bobby Vinton, with special guest Jimmy Sturr.
Where: American Music Theatre, 242 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster.
When: Concert is at 3 p.m. Sunday July 19.
Tickets: Check www.amtshows.com or call (800) 648-4102 or (717) 397-7700.
Info.: To stay current with Bobby Vinton visit www.bobbyvinton.com.
