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'Sunny' Songwriter Bobby Hebb Passes Away
- Posted on Aug 3rd 2010 9:42PM by Benjy Eisen
The Associated Press reports that songwriter Bobby Hebb died on Tuesday at the age of 72. A spokesperson for the funeral home told the Associated Press that Hebb passed away at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., while friends relayed that he had been battling lung cancer.Hebb performed in a number of bands over the years and, significantly, once headlined a tour featuring the Beatles. Yes, you read that right. Prior to that, in the early 1950s, he became one of the first black artists ever to appear on the Grand Ole Opry and his list of similar accomplishments is simply staggering.
Still, Hebb will most of all be remembered for penning the household hit, 'Sunny.' The song was listed as the 18th most performed song in the entire BMI catalog, according to a 1990 chart released by that organization, and Hebb's own performance of the tune landed in second place on the pop charts for 1966. Subsequent renditions by Frank Sinatra, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and hundreds more made the song ubiquitous.
While Hebb's accomplishments reach far beyond 'Sunny,' it is that song's eternal melody that will keep the Nashville native's memory alive for generations to come.
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E.J.
After reading all the comments on Bobby, I failed to see reference's of his humanity and dedication to helping children. One example is when he came to the Jr.H.S. where I was teaching, performed two 40 minute shows for our students and donated every cent of his pay back to the music department. The shows were great. The students loved him and of course, so did the music teacher....me. This is only one example; knowing him, I'm sure there are others.
"Sunny" is one of those tunes with a lasting quality that easily transcends all musical styles. GREAT TUNE BY A TALENTED COMPOSER.
marsha ford
bless bobby for that wonderful song "sunny". i remember that song way back in 1968 at my senior graduating party.to this day when i hear that song i think of all the years gone by and only remembering that song playing. what a tragic way for his brother to be killed so soon after jfk. hope he is happy with his brother now.
August 05 2010 at 12:16 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
barbara
such a beautiful song,it bring back so many memories of
growing up in the sixties,and having so much fun. it's a real feel good song,even though it derived from pain.
R.I.P MR.HEBB!!!
JERRY
That song has a special place in my mind my heart and my memories, it's one of the songs that I never got tired of hearing,and it was also one when I heard it, even today it took me back to a warm comfortable place
that I was never able to re-create.
Jack
RIP now,you are in a better place now.Thank you very Much
Jack
John and Mary Ann reply.
Amen!
Today the Sunny story won't sell. Now print, horror, dysfunction,terror, or songs that are Stormy...that's on the cover.
May you rest in peace Bobby Hebb. God bless you.
PATTY BOYD
WOW - I HAVE ALWAYS HATED THAT SONG!
I CAN NO TSTAQND TO HEAR IT EVEN FOR A SECOND!
ITS SO SICKENINGLY SACHARINE AND SO PHONEY UGH!!!
GLAD HES DEAD
Mark Schneider
Amen, Rosemary!!! I grew up in Pittsburgh and "Sunny" was a huge Hit! The man made his mark forever in our memories....
August 04 2010 at 7:48 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
jorgebrito2
My condolences to his family and friends. May he RIP. Sad news.
August 04 2010 at 7:31 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
francisco villa
Sunny was the first song in my early teens, that i learn thank you Bobby Hebb,it was the best song to listen among many great hits of the time, Sunny song always deliver the same natural essence over the many years 60's 70's 80'90's 10' and beyond ....
August 04 2010 at 7:04 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
42 Comments