Introduction to Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans
Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans were an American early 60s music-era vocal group led by Bobby Sheen a.k.a. Bob B. Soxx, along with Fanita James and Darlene Love. Despite the group’s short-lived career, they were best-known for their version of “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” that would become their first and only Top 10 Billboard entry. The following singles “Why Do Break Each Other’s Heart” and “Not Too Young to Get Married,” like Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah,” were also produced by Phil Spector. After releasing the third single, they quickly called it quits as they were dropped by Philles Records in 1963.
Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans’ career at a glance
The American vocal trio Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans enjoyed their brief popularity with their version of “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” in 1962. Produced by the well-known producer Phil Spector, the group was headed by Bobby Sheen (Robert Joseph Sheen, b. May 17, 1941 in St. Louis, MIssouri – d. November 23, 2000 in Los Angeles, California) and supported by backing vocalists Darlene Love (born Darlene Wright, July 26, 1941) and Fanita James (born August 13, 1938) who were The Blue Jeans. The two females were also members of the all-female group The Blossoms at the same time.
The groups successful single “Zip-a-Dee-Doh-Dah” and other hits
Signed to Philles Records, Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans released their first single “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” in 1962. Adapted from the soundtrack of the 1946 Disney movie, Song of the South, Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans’ rendition became the group’s first and only Top 10 hit. It landed at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 while it made to #7 on the R&B singles chart. This catchy oldies music was far and away the biggest of Bob B. Soxx and the Blues Jeans’ career. The second single which was once again led by Love “Why Do Lovers Break Each Other’s Heart,” entered the Top 40 pop chart at #38 in 1963. It was followed by the Sheen and Love duet with their last chart entry “Not Too Young to Get Married” which registered modestly at #68 on the national chart.
After the group’s heyday
Also in 1963, Spector produced a Christmas album called A Christmas Gift for You Phil Spector where Sheen contributed vocal duties for the songs “The Bells of St. Mary’s” and “Here Comes Santa Claus.” Later that year, Philles Records dropped Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans who later began pursuing their own solo careers. Sheen was signed to Capitol Records and performed under his real name and joined the classic rock n’ roll vocal group the Coasters as a touring member. As a soloist, Love had no notable singles, but she became popular as one of the members of the Blossoms and the Crystals. James was also a member of the Blossoms.