Bobby Curtola, former teen sensation and, more recently, an Order of Canada inductee, has died. He was 73 years old.
The announcement came via social media after his children confirmed the passing with a post that said:
“He loved each and every one of you more than you will know, and never took for granted the life you gave him. He would want you to do something kind for one another today and each day,” the statement said. “He would also want you to know he loves you, and that you have another angel watching over you.”
His hit “Fortune Teller” was released in 1962 and went gold in Canada, and while on tour in England that same year, Bobby met The Beatles and appeared on the famous British TV variety show Thank Your Lucky Stars. In June of 1964, Curtola recorded “Things Go Better with Coke” and signed an exclusive contract with Coca-Cola to be their spokesman. His success continued on television, starting with American Bandstand. It also included appearances on the world famous Wolf Man Jack Show. The sixties, with hit after hit for Bobby, included 25 Canadian gold singles and 12 Canadian gold albums.
The year 1972 became a turning point for the Thunder Bay native – he made the transition from “teen idol” to the “highest paid entertainer” in Canada and signed a multi-million dollar contract with the Hughes Hotel chain, making him the first Canadian entertainer to receive a long-term contract in Las Vegas. Bobby continued a very successful career in Vegas for over twenty years.
