The GraveYard Shift

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Bobby Burnett's 'Christmas Time'
Bobby was a good buddy during my Music Therapy internship. This is a nice classic Christmas of his own composition.

Bobby's obit from 2010.
Bobby Burnett, singer and comedian, dies at 71
by JOHN F. MORRISON, [e-mail] 215-854-5573, Posted: January 7, 2010

BOBBY BURNETT was one of the most talented entertainers you probably never heard of.

"The fact that Bobby Burnett was not a familiar household name, given the enormity of his gift, only proves that life is definitely unfair," said longtime friend Steve Ross, host of the "Remember When" show on WPHT (1210-AM). Bobby might not have been a "household name," but those who heard him sing or saw him perform on the harmonica or as a comedian with impeccable timing knew they were in the presence of a great talent.

If you are a Phillies fan, you may have heard his song "Goin' Back to Philadelphia" in honor of the Phillies.

Bobby died Saturday, after a yearlong illness. He was 71 and lived in Norristown. Bobby cut many records and performed on many stages up and down the East Coast, his singing style reminiscent of Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Johnny Mathis.

"He was one of the most talented music men ever to emerge from the city of Philadelphia," said his son Robert Burnett.

"While we're completely heartbroken, we're also so very proud of what he was able to accomplish. He was an amazing entertainer and produced so much great music."

Thanks to people like Steve Ross, Bobby's songs are still gracing the local air waves.

On his radio show Saturday night, Steve played several of Bobby's best songs. "I've been inundated by e-mails from listeners wanting to obtain copies for themselves," he said.

"Bobby's tender rendition of Charlie Chaplin's 'Smile' - recorded by several of the world's best singers - remains the quintessential version," Steve said.

"Bobby was one of the most gifted entertainers anyone had ever seen or heard. His magnificent singing voice, unparalleled harmonica-playing and huge stage presence, were undeniable."

Bobby appeared on such TV shows as the "Merv Griffin Show," the "Mike Douglas Show" and "Al Alberts Showcase."

Old-timers who remember when WCAU produced "Action in the Afternoon," a western filmed live behind its studio on City Avenue in the late '50s, heard Bobby's whining harmonica as background music. He also did comedy routines with Lou Marks and other funny locals.

Bobby was proud of an accolade he once received from one of his great idols, Tony Bennett. Bennett told him, "You know what, you're one helluva singer, Kid."

He also was proud of having won $5,000 as a teenager on the old "Arthur Godfrey Talent Scout Show," and appeared 11 times on the highly popular show.

Bobby was a native of West Philadelphia. He drew inspiration from the great harmonica players Larry Adler and Toots Thielmans, and from entertainers in his own family. A cousin, Harriett Fowler Waldron, danced in the original Ziegfeld Follies, and her husband, Jack, was a popular stand-up comedian.

In the '80s, Bobby's rendition of "Christmas Time" got heavy play on local radio during the Christmas season. Other of his songs still played on radio include "When It's All Said and Done," "Moments" and "Topaz."

He also is survived by his longtime companion, Marie Bondi; another son, Darryl; two daughters, Susan Discianni and Diana Lambert; two brothers, Donald and Jack Burnett; a sister, Harriett Wilkes, and four grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, the former Patricia Knoeller.