bobby fuller

Robert Gaston "Bobby" Fuller 
(October 22, 1942 – July 18, 1966)

This Texas rocker was a rising star in the music world when he died under mysterious circumstances at the age of twenty three. He spent his youth in El Paso playing guitar and singing in local clubs with different musicians. His music was influenced by his idol, fellow Texan Buddy Holly, as well as Dick Dale and the Everly Brothers. He produced his own recordings at his home studio built with equipment he bought from a local radio station; and even recorded other artists for free so he could practice his production skills. Fuller was signed to Mustang Records by Bob Keane and relocated to Los Angeles with his band The Bobby Fuller Four, which included his brother Randy on bass, Jim Reese on guitar, and DeWayne Quirico on drums.

Just as he was preparing to follow up the success of 'I Fought The Law' with a new project, Fuller was found dead in his car by his mother. The car had mysteriously appeared in the lot at his apartment after friends had been searching for him all day. His body was covered with bruises and he was covered in gasoline. Police originally said that it was a suicide; but later changed the cause of death to an accident due to "inhalation of gasoline." According to the official Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office autopsy report, "Deceased was found lying face down in front seat of car--a gas can, 1/3 full, cover open--windows were all rolled up & doors shut, not locked--keys not in ignition". There are numerous conspiracy theories. One is that he died of an overdose at a party in Malibu and was doused in gasoline to make it look like a mob hit. Another is that he was killed by crime syndicate associates of a club owner whose ex-girlfriend was seeing

Fuller.






http://www.rockabillyhall.com/bobbyfuller.html

The classic 'I Fought The Law' was his biggest hit, peaking at number nine on the Billboard pop chart. It was written by former Cricket Sonny Curtis. Dalton Powell played drums.

'Let Her Dance' and 'Another Sad and Lonely Night' were both written by Fuller.

This version of 'Geronimo' with Nancy Sinatra was featured in the film 'The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini'.