The Life and Legacy of Bobby Sherman: A Teen Idol of the 1960s and 1970s

Bobby Sherman was an American singer, actor, and teen idol who rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Born on February 25, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, Sherman's life was marked by both success and struggles. This article will delve into his rise to fame, hit songs, and impact on popular culture.

Early Life and Career

Sherman was born to a Jewish family in Los Angeles. His father, Joseph Sherman, was a successful real estate developer, and his mother, Barbara (née Levy), was a homemaker. Sherman's early life was marked by hardship, with his parents divorcing when he was just nine years old.

Despite the challenges, Sherman found solace in music. He began singing at local talent shows and eventually landed a record deal with MCA Records in 1963. His first single, "My Little Bird," was released in 1964 but failed to gain traction.

Here Come the Brides

Sherman's big break came when he landed the role of Robbie Douglas on the TV sitcom Here Come the Brides. The show aired from 1968 to 1969 and followed the lives of four British officers stationed in Seattle. Sherman's charming on-screen presence and good looks quickly made him a fan favorite.

Music Career

While his acting career was taking off, Sherman also pursued a music career. His big break came with the release of "Little Woman," which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1969. The song's success led to Sherman signing with ABC Records and releasing several more singles.

Sherman's music style was firmly rooted in bubblegum pop, a genre characterized by its catchy melodies, simple harmonies, and lyrics that often focused on teenage life and love. Other notable hits included "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere," "Love Is Like a Game," and "Wanderlove."

Impact on Pop Culture

Sherman's music career was marked by both success and controversy. His bubblegum pop sound, while catchy, has been criticized for its lack of substance and perceived insincerity.

Despite this criticism, Sherman remains an important figure in the history of popular music. He helped pave the way for future teen idols like Donny Osmond, David Cassidy, and Shaun Cassidy.

Personal Life

Sherman's personal life was marked by struggles with addiction and health problems. In 1970, he underwent a serious back injury after falling off a motorcycle, which led to several years of physical therapy.

Sherman also struggled with the pressures of fame, including a highly publicized divorce from his wife, Elaine Davidson, in 1968.

Later Life

After Here Come the Brides ended its run, Sherman continued to pursue an acting career, appearing in films and TV shows. He also made appearances on various game shows and comedy specials.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Sherman began to focus more on his music career, releasing several albums that were met with moderate success. However, he largely retreated from the public eye after the death of his wife in 2002.

Legacy

Bobby Sherman passed away on February 5, 2018, at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most iconic teen idols of the 1960s and 1970s. While his music career was marked by controversy, he remains an important figure in the history of popular music.

Sherman's impact on popular culture extends beyond his own music. He helped pave the way for future teen idols and influenced a generation of musicians who followed in his footsteps.

Discography

• "My Little Bird" (1964)
• "Little Woman" (1969)
• "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere" (1969)
• "Love Is Like a Game" (1969)
• "Wanderlove" (1970)

Awards and Nominations

• Grammy Award nomination: Best New Artist, 1970
• Billboard Top 100 chart: No. 1 with "Little Woman," 1969

Filmography

• Here Come the Brides (TV series), 1968-1969
• The Magic Castle, 1970
• The Love Boat, 1977

References

• "Bobby Sherman Biography." Biography.com, A&E Networks, www.biography.com/musician/bobby-sherman.
• "Bobby Sherman: Teen Idol and Singer." Rolling Stone, 2002.
• "Here Come the Brides: The TV Show That Launched Bobby Sherman's Career." TV Guide, 2014.