Bobby Sherman,teen idol,Little Woman,Julie Do You Love Me,obituary,death”>
LOS ANGELES, May 30, 2024
From Teen Idol to EMT: Bobby Sherman’s Amazing Journey
Bobby Sherman, the heartthrob who serenaded a generation, has died at 81.
- Sherman was a major teen idol in the 1960s and 70s with hits like “Little Woman.”
- He starred in TV series such as “Here Come the Brides” and “Getting Together.”
- After leaving fame, he became a certified medical emergency technician.
- He co-founded the Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children’s Foundation in Ghana.
Bobby Sherman, the singer and actor whose dreamy smile captivated teenage girls in the ’60s and ’70s, died at the age of 81; what made Bobby Sherman a star was his clean-cut image and catchy pop songs such as “Little Woman” and “Julie, Do You Love Me.”
His wife, Brigitte Poublon, announced the death on Tuesday. Family friend John stamos shared on Instagram: “bobby left this world taking me hand in hand, as our life held with love, courage and unwavering grace.” Sherman had revealed earlier this year that he was battling stage 4 cancer.
Did you know? Sherman reached number 8 on TV Guide’s list of the “25 greatest teen idols on television.”
A Teen Idol Is born
With his signature hairstyle and wholesome image, Sherman graced the covers of magazines like Tiger Beat and Sixteen. His face was plastered on lunchboxes, cereal boxes, and posters. He was part of a lineage of teen idols that included Ricky Nelson, David Cassidy, and later, Justin Bieber.
Sherman landed four songs in the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10: “Little Woman,” “Julie, Do You Love Me,” “Easy Come, Easy Go,” and “La la La La (If I had You).” Six of his albums charted on the Billboard 200, with “Here Comes Bobby” staying on the list for 48 weeks and peaking at number 10.
His career gained momentum after being cast on the ABC rock ‘n’ roll program “Shindig!” in the mid-60s. He then starred in two television series: “Here Come the Brides” (1968-70) and “Getting Together” (1971).
Actress Patricia Heaton posted on X: “Hello to all my friends from the 70s,let’s take a minute to remember our gallant Bobby Sherman.” Lorenzo Lamas recalled hearing Sherman’s “Easy Come,Easy Go” on the school bus as a child.
From Hollywood to Healthcare
After stepping away from the spotlight, Sherman became a certified medical emergency technician and an instructor for the Los Angeles Police Department, teaching first aid and CPR to recruits. He donated his salary.
Sherman, who grew up in the San Fernando Valley, said in a 1998 interview that he “grew up in a fairly strict family,” where “law and order were critically important. Respect the neighbour, take into account the feelings of others.”
In 1964, while studying child psychology, his girlfriend took him to a party in Hollywood where he sang with the band. Guests like Jane Fonda, Natalie Wood, and Sal Mineo inquired about his agent, leading to his big break.
Television Success and musical Gold
Sherman’s teen idol status solidified in 1968 with “Here Come The Brides,” a comedy set in 1870s Seattle. He sang the series’ theme song,”Seattle,” and played young lumberjack Jeremy Bolt,frequently enough at odds with his brother,played by david Soul. The show ran for two seasons.
Following that, Sherman starred in “Getting Together,” a spin-off of “the Partridge Family,” about a composer trying to make it in the music industry. He became the first artist to headline three TV series before turning 30. His first single, “little woman,” achieved gold status in 1969.
In 1997, the Tulsa World noted, “While the rest of the world seemed confusing and threatening, Sherman’s smiling face radiated from the walls of the bedrooms of hundreds of thousands of teenagers, a reassuring totem against the riots, drugs, protests against war and free love that whipped the outside.”
His film credits include “Wild in the Streets,” “He is My Brother,” and “Get Crazy.”
A Change in Career
Sherman retired from his entertainment career after years of a demanding schedule. He told the Washington Post: “I filmed five days a week,I climbed to a plane on Friday night and went somewhere for the morning and evening functions on Saturdays and Sundays,and then returned to the studio to start filming again. It was so busy for three years that I didn’t know what my home was.”
His move to becoming a Medical Emergency Technician in 1988 stemmed from a long-held fascination with medicine. this interest grew as he raised his children with his first wife, Patti Carnel, and he became the family’s first responder, learning first aid and CPR through the Red Cross.
“If I see an accident, I feel forced to stop and give help even in my own car,” he told the St. petersburg Times. “I’ve been team with me.And there is no better feeling than to help someone. I recommend it to everyone.”
In addition to his work with the Los Angeles Police Department, he served as a reserve agent for the San bernardino County Sheriff’s department, providing security for the court. Sherman estimated that he assisted in the delivery of five babies as a paramedic.
He recalled helping deliver a baby on the sidewalk, after wich the mother asked his partner for his name.”When Bobby said, he put the baby Roberta.I was glad I didn’t tell him that Sherman called me,” he told the St. Petersburg Times in 1997.
Honors and Legacy
Sherman was named Reserve Officer of the Year by the Los Angeles Police Department in 1999 and received the FBI Extraordinary Service Award and the “Twice Citizen” Prize from the Los Angeles County Reserve Foundation.
in a 2004 speech, then-representative Howard mckeon said, “Bobby is a stellar example of the motto ‘Protect and serve.’ We can only express a simple and sincere thanks to Bobby Sherman and all men and women who bravely protect and serve the citizens of the united States.”
Later, Sherman joined the “Teen Idols Tour” in the 1990s with Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones of the Monkees, and peter Noone of Herman’s hermits.
The Chicago Sun-Times described one of Sherman’s 1998 performances: “Dress to destroy with black leather pants and white shirt, he received a rain of roses and stuffed bears when he started with ‘Easy Come, Easy Go.’ He signed dozens of autographs at the bottom of the stage, which was quickly invaded by female fans of all ages imaginable.”
Sherman also co-founded the Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children’s Foundation in Ghana, providing education, health, and well-being programs to children in need.
He is survived by his wife and two children, Christopher and Tyler.
“Even in his last days,he remained strong for me. This was bobby: brave, kind and full of light,” poublon wrote.
The Reign of the Teen Idol: A Look Back
The 1960s and 70s were a time of seismic cultural shifts. Amidst political turmoil and social upheaval, teen idols provided a comforting escape. They were a symbol of innocence and optimism, offering a sense of normalcy for many young people. Bobby Sherman’s approachable image and catchy music gave him a unique appeal. He epitomized the era’s values.
Several factors contributed to the popularity of teen idols. Television exposure, which reached a broad spectrum of audiences, was one of the most significant. Additionally, the rise of teen-focused magazines like Tiger Beat and 16 created a direct line to adoring fans. These publications helped cultivate and promote the stars’ images, fueling fan interest.
Sherman wasn’t alone. Other teen heartthrobs also captured the hearts of young people. But each had a distinct appeal. Such as, David Cassidy, from “The partridge Family,” combined music and television in a winning formula, cementing his status as a teen idol. Donny Osmond, with his wholesome persona and family-friendly act, achieved massive success.
These figures provided a sense of community at a time when cultural change was challenging. They offered a safe space for fans to express their emotions and desires.
The Rise of the Teen Idol
Here’s a glimpse at other popular teen idols from the era:
- David Cassidy: Known for his role in “The Partridge family” and chart-topping hits like “I Think I Love You,” Cassidy combined singing and acting.
- Donny Osmond: Part of the musical family,he enjoyed success with both a group and as a solo artist with hits like “Go Away Little Girl.”
- Shaun Cassidy: Gained fame with his hit song “Da Doo Ron Ron” and the TV series “The Hardy Boys.”
- Leif Garrett: A teen idol of the late 70s, with hits like “I Was Made for Dancin'” and a wide fanbase.
- The Monkees: Though originally a made-for-TV band, The Monkees created hit songs like “Daydream Believer” and became a cultural phenomenon.
beyond their music and TV appearances,these idols also impacted fashion,influencing trends that defined each era. They represented a specific lifestyle, which included clothing, hairstyle, and overall attitude.Their influence extended to a variety of products, from lunchboxes to posters to clothing, which helped to solidify their place in pop culture.
Sherman’s appeal, like that of his contemporaries, came partly from the combination of their talent, charm, and marketability. They represented an idealized version of youth and provided entertainment during a period of great change. These stars left a generation with memories that woudl last a lifetime.
Pro Tip: Explore a ’70s playlist! Enjoy the time-honored music of Bobby Sherman and his peers. there, you’ll find more music.
FAQs
What defined the teen idol of the 60s and 70s?
These entertainers were typically young, attractive, and presented a clean-cut image. They often sang, acted, or did both, attracting a large teenage audience. Their music was upbeat and approachable.
How did teen idols impact popular culture?
They influenced fashion, music, and teen culture. Their images appeared in magazines, on merchandise, and television, shaping aspirational values and preferences.
Why were teen idols so popular?
Teen idols offered an escape and sense of belonging to young people.Their wholesome image and catchy music provided comfort during times of change. This made them relatable and helped them develop a wide fan base.
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