Bobby Darin - Later Years

Later Years

"Now my attitude is very simple: I must do what artistically pleases me."

Darin's musical output became more "folky" as the 1960s progressed, and he became more politically active. In 1966, he had a hit with folksinger Tim Hardin's "If I Were a Carpenter," securing a return to the Top 10 after a two-year absence.

Darin traveled with Robert Kennedy and worked on the politician's 1968 presidential campaign. He was with Kennedy the day he traveled to Los Angeles on June 4, 1968, for the California primary, and was at the Ambassador Hotel later that night when Kennedy was assassinated. This event drove Darin into seclusion; he lived in a trailer near Big Sur for almost a year.

Returning to Los Angeles in 1969, Darin started Direction Records, putting out folk and protest music. He wrote "Simple Song of Freedom" in 1969, which was recorded by Tim Hardin, who sang only three of the song's four verses.

Of his first Direction album, Darin said that, "The purpose of Direction Records is to seek out statement-makers. The album is solely of compositions designed to reflect my thoughts on the turbulent aspects of modern society."

In 1972, he starred in his own television variety show on NBC, The Bobby Darin Amusement Company, which ran until his death in 1973. Darin married Andrea Yeager (secretary)" in June 1973, made TV guest appearances, and remained a top draw in Las Vegas.