From Buddy to Bobby! Starring Tyler Michaels as Bobby Vee and Nicholas Freeman as Buddy Holly!
1959. With the tragic crash of Buddy Holly’s plane, a bright new star from Fargo emerged. Fifteen-year-old Bobby Velline performed at the Winter Dance Party in Moorhead, MN the day the music died. Bobby went on to record his first hit single, Suzie Baby, in Minneapolis – and soon would become a teen idol appearing on American Bandstand with Dick Clark and an international star who thrilled audiences for more than a decade with Top 40 hits like Devil or Angel, The Night Has A Thousand Eyes, Come Back When You Grow Up Girl and many more. Follow Bobby’s musical journey that includes fellow pop stars like Little Anthony & The Imperials, Ronnie & The Ronettes, Dion, and Del Shannon.
Video: The Night Has A Thousand Eyes!
Did You Know?
Early in Vee’s career, a musician named Elston Gunnn [sic] briefly toured with the band. “Gunnn” later went on to fame as Bob Dylan.
Reviews (Teen Idol – The Bobby Vee Story, 2016 production):
- Crowd-pleasing, tune tribute to Bobby Vee returns to St. Paul’s History Theatre (Star Tribune, 11/23/18)
- Tyler Michaels stars but there is so much talent in this cast (cherryandspoon.com)
- Tyler Michaels is the true deal as Bobby Vee. (irishgazette.com)
- “Teen Idol” at History Theatre fits to a Vee (Pioneer Press, 10/3/16)
- American idol Bobby Vee rocks once more (Star Tribune, 10/5/16)
- A fantastic show no matter your generation (cherryandspoon.com, 10/10/16)
- Certainly worth a spin on the turntable (talkinbroadway.com)
Learn more about Teen Idol: The Bobby Vee Story:
• Bobby Vee’s Life Turned into a Play (MPR with Cathy Wurzer, 10/17/16)
• Playing Bobby Vee caps amazing run for actor Tod Petersen
• “Teen Idol” honors Bobby Vee’s legacy
• Teen Idol: The Bobby Vee story at History Theatre
Learn more about Bobby and Karen:
• Vee’s family hangs on to the memories (St. Cloud Times, 9/17/16)
• Take Time Today: Cherish Bobby Vee’s Music (St. Cloud Times)
• Karen Velline: In the Shadow of Bobby Vee (Joetown Story)
Watch Teen Idol interviews and scene:
• Interview: Tyler Michaels and George Maurer (Musical Arranger)
• Scene: Bus Medley (with introduction by George Maurer)
- Making History: Teen Idol and The Bobby Vee Story
- Making History: Teen Idol Musical Collaborators Jeff Vee and George Maurer
Watch Bobby Vee’s music videos:
• The Night Has a Thousand Eyes (Just for Fun)
• Run to Him (American Bandstand)
• Take Good Care of My Baby (Sha Na Na)
