‘Bobby Darin, 1936 – 1973, came from a poor Italian family in Bronx, N.York. He had rheumatic fever as a child which weakened his heart. Doctors predicted a short life which made him determined to succeed. He had a very high IQ – a member of Mensa. He learned to play several instruments including piano, guitar and drums. He was a member of the Brill Building group of songwriters. His career took off in 1958 with ‘Splish Splash’, penned with DJ Murray. He recorded ‘Dream Lover’ in 1959, selling millions - and then Kurt Weill’s ‘Mack the Knife’. He had many other hits in different styles. He started his own successful music publishers and production company. In the late Sixties he became more politically active, got into folk music and had a hit with Tim Hardin’s ‘If I Were A Carpenter’. ‘Jailor Bring Me Water’ was written and recorded by Darin in 1961 and released in 1962 as the ‘B’ side of the hit single ‘Things’. It is also on the LP, ‘Things & Other Things’. He died due to complications following dental treatment when he failed to take medication for his heart problems.’
Variety obituary – Dec. 26 1973