Bobby Fuller: The Forgotten Rock Star, An Article by Johnny Mystery

In the mid-sixties, Bobby Fuller was living the dream as far as rock n’ roll dreams go. He had a record riding high in the national charts. He and his group “The Bobby Fuller Four” were in high demand on the Sunset Strip scene in L.A. and were appearing regularly as the house band on several of the network dance party television shows. But on July 18,1966, he was found dead in a car outside his mother’s house. When the police came to investigate, they almost immediately ruled it a suicide. Why would a guy with so much to live for kill himself? As you shall soon see the more you learn the circumstances here, the more something smells strange and I’m not just talking about the gas can found next to his body. This is one of the weirdest rock star deaths of all time and even though this case has been closed for over fifty-five years, too many things just do not add up.

Bobby Fuller was born in Goose Creek, Texas on October 22,1942. He and his family eventually ended up in El Paso in 1956 and like fellow Texan, Buddy Holly, he caught the rock n’ roll bug from Elvis. He became a multi-instrumentalist while in high school but settled on guitar of course and formed a four-man outfit with his brother Randy, calling themselves “The Bobby Fuller Four.” As most Texas bands from that era, they had the Tex-Mex flavor in their original tunes, several of which they recorded locally before heading out to Los Angeles in 1964 and signing with Bob Keane of Del-Fi records. Keane was the same cat who put Ritchie Valens on his label and later produced several surf records after Valens untimely death.

Along with their cover of The Crickets song “I Fought The Law”, their biggest hit, ”The Bobby Fuller Four”” also recorded several albums containing,” Another Sad And Lonely Night”, Never To Be Forgotten”, “Let Her Dance” and “Love’s Made A Fool Of You.” All during this time they played the hip clubs on the L.A. strip. They also appeared regularly on shows like Hullabaloo and Shindig and also became the house band on Casey Kasem’s dance show, ”SHEBANG!!!”

Now as was bound to happen, Fuller got to experience the underside of 60’s Hollywood but he wanted to know everybody that was frequenting the clubs. Pushers, crooks, hookers ext. There is even a rumor or two about run ins with Charlie Manson…. yes, that Manson but at this late date it’s sorta tough to confirm. It’s anybody’s guess.

What we do know is what follows here. Fuller got a call the night of July 17th after which he told his mother he was taking her car to go out for a while. The next day his mom looks in the driveway to see the car is back. She went out and found Fuller dead on the front seat with a can of gas next to him. When the police arrive, they also find marks and abrasions on his body and call it a suicide and for some reason ditch the gas can. Strange it was not kept as evidence. According to his brother Randy, Bobby told him he was going to an “LSD” party with the trend setters in the valley that night…. how sixties eh! Perhaps that had something do with it. Not! The medical examiner assigned to the case found no sign of acid. Well…some witnesses in the neighborhood saw a suspicious white vehicle buzzing up and down the street several times. Nothing really came of that.

If we’re still talking about this so many years later, I would say it’s a case that needs to be reopened. I’m not the guy who wants to point fingers but what’s with the scrapes on his body? Sounds like it was dragged. What’s with the empty gas can in the car? From what I’ve read, everybody who knew him said he was looking forward to the future and couldn’t wait to get out on the road and tour. Did somebody really want to see Bobby Fuller dead??

Just one more thing, I almost forgot. It really has to be a coincidence that several weeks before this all happened, Del-Fi records owner Bob Keane took out an insurance policy on Fuller to the tune of 800K. I don’t know what that is adjusted for our time but it’s gotta be a lot.

Turning to the local spotlight, be on the lookout for a new band with some well-known names. Howard Glassman and Rob Skane fronting “The Men Who Loved Music.” Spotted them playing around town in Troy last week. Solid guitar rock as you might imagine…Word from Albany rockers “Black Cat Elliot” is they are putting the finishing touches on their forthcoming CD as we go to press. Be on the lookout for that soon.

Also, The 5678’s will be in town near the end of August at “No Fun” and I think it’s time we learn about them next issue. See you then!