For those of
us over a certain age, the name Bobby Vinton brings back memories
of long summers, slow dancing and perhaps a first kiss. When
Vinton burst onto the music scene in the early ’60s, rock ’n’
roll was at its height – but so was the romantic love ballad.
And Vinton, with his curly hair, heart-melting smile and beautiful
blue eyes (think Frank Sinatra) crooned those gooey songs with
a sincerity that went straight to our young hearts.
Vinton’s name at birth, Stanley Robert Vintula Jr., gives a better
clue to his Polish ancestry than does his adopted name. But Polish-Americans
always knew he was one of them. When he released "My Melody
of Love," the only American song sung partially in Polish,
it became a kind of Polish-American anthem.
On March 12, Vinton fans can hear all those old songs – "Roses
are Red," "Blue Velvet," "Mr. Lonely,"
"Sealed with a Kiss" – live at Brooklyn Center for
the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College. But you don’t have to
love – or even remember – Vinton to enjoy his music. When the
lights are low and the hour is late, no one says, "I love
you/ I will to the end/ There I’ve said it again" better
than Bobby.
Bobby Vinton will perform at 8 pm on March 12 at Brooklyn College’s
Walt Whitman Theater (one block from the junction of Flatbush
and Nostrand avenues in Flatbush). Tickets are $50. For more
information, call (718) 951-4500 or visit www.brooklyncenter.com.
VINTON AT BCBC
