The biography of Bobby Curtola, a Canadian pop singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the 1960s.
Born on April 17, 1943, in Port Arthur, Ontario, Curtola began his music career at a young age and quickly became a national sensation.
He released several hit singles, performed in sold-out concerts, and even acted in movies and television shows.
This biography offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of Bobby Curtola.
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Early Life and Career of Bobby Curtola
Bobby Curtola was born to parents who had immigrated to Canada from Italy. His father worked in the steel mills, and his mother was a homemaker.
Curtola grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where he attended school and sang in the church choir.
He was fascinated by music and idolized the likes of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Chuck Berry.
In 1959, at sixteen, Curtola recorded his first single, “Hand In Hand With You,” which was a hit in Canada.
He went on to sign with Tartan Records and released several more singles, including “Don’t You Sweetheart Me,” “Fortune Teller,” and “Indian Giver.”
His popularity grew, and he soon performed in sold-out concerts across Canada.
Rise to Fame
In 1962, Curtola released his biggest hit, “Fortune Teller.” The song reached the top of the Canadian charts and stayed there for several weeks.
Curtola’s success continued with releasing “Aladdin” and “Three Rows Over,” which also became hits.
In 1964, Curtola signed with Del-Fi Records in the United States and released his first American single, “Hand In Hand With You.”
The song became a minor hit, but Curtola’s popularity in Canada continued to soar.
He became a regular on television shows, such as “American Bandstand,” and was dubbed “Canada’s Elvis Presley.”
Curtola continued to release hit singles throughout the 1960s, including “Hitchhiker,” “Corrina, Corrina,” and “Fortune Teller (again).”
He also appeared in several movies and television shows, including the films “Two Yanks in Canada” and “The Scorpio Letters” and the television series “The Mod Squad” and “Hawaii Five-O.”
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Later Career of Bobby Curtola
In the 1970s, Curtola’s popularity waned as the music industry changed.
He continued to release music and tour but was no longer the chart-topping sensation he had once been.
However, he remained a beloved figure in Canada and continued to perform and record music for his loyal fans.
Curtola released several albums in the 1980s and 1990s, including “Lucky One” and “Memories.” He also hosted a television show,
“The Bobby Curtola Show,” which aired in Canada in the late 1980s. In 1996, he was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame to recognize his contributions to the Canadian music industry.
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Legacy
Bobby Curtola’s music has had a lasting impact on the Canadian music industry.
He was one of the first Canadian artists to achieve mainstream success and paved the way for future Canadian musicians.
His catchy pop tunes and charming personality endeared him to audiences across the country, and he remains a beloved figure in Canadian music history.
Curtola passed away on June 4, 2016, at 73, while on tour in Newfoundland. His death was met with an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow musicians.
Many noted his kindness, generosity, and love of music and praised him as a true Canadian icon.
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