Easy listening / pop singer Bobby Vinton – born Stanley Robert Vinton on April
16, 1935, in Canonsburgh, Pennsylvania, is best known for his hit single “Blue
Velvet,” which reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963. Born of Polish
and Lithuanian descent, he was nicknamed ‘the Polish Prince’ since he often
celebrated his Polish heritage in his music. He formed his first band at the age
of 16 and performed in local Pittsburgh clubs, earning money to finance his
education at Duquesne University. Earning a degree in musical composition, he
also learned to play several instrum...