Legendary singer Bobby Vee has signed the offered "Rubber Ball," in a crafty reference to his 1961 hit of the same name. The song was among the nearly 40 songs that Vee had in the TOP 100, with ten of those reaching the Top 20. Accompanying the ball is a photo of Vee with the lucky fan who had him sign it--the ball can be clearly seen in the photo.
Vee's career was inextricably linked to one of the most tragic days in music history, "The Day the Music Died." After the February 3, 1959, plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens, Vee and his band volunteered for and were given the task of replacing Holly for the next shows on the tour. Things went very well, and launched Vee's career to the next level.
Early in Vee's career, he toured with none other than Bob Dylan in his band. Dylan was using the pseudonym "Elston Gunn." In a concert at Midway Stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota, on July 10, 2013, Dylan said he had been on the stage with many stars, but that none of them were as meaningful as Vee. He said Vee was in the audience and then played Vee's hit "Suzie Baby" with emotion. Dylan said:
Thank you everyone, thank you friends. I lived here a while back, and since that time, I've played all over the world, with all kinds of people. And everybody from Mick Jagger to Madonna. And everybody in there in between. I've been on the stage with most of those people. But the most beautiful person I've ever been on the stage with, was a man who is here tonight, who used to sing a song called "Suzie Baby". I want to say that Bobby Vee is actually here tonight. Maybe you can show your appreciation with just a round of applause. So, we're gonna try to do this song, like I've done it with him before once or twice.
A fitting and touching tribute from one of the most important figures in popular music. The ball is accompanied by a COA from Beckett Authentic. Near Mint condition.