Robert Cabot Sherman Jr., known to millions simply as Bobby Sherman, has passed away today. Bobby Sherman’s life was one of transformation—from chart-topping heartthrob to community hero. But long after the spotlight dimmed, Sherman continued to serve—quietly, purposefully, and with immense heart. As we mark his passing, here are 25 facts drawn from his remarkable journey.
- Bobby Sherman was born in Santa Monica, California, and grew up in Van Nuys with his sister Darlene.
- In 1962, actor Sal Mineo wrote two songs for Sherman and arranged for him to record them.
- In 1964, Sherman sang with Mineo’s band at a Hollywood party, which led to his discovery by an agent.
- He got his first regular television role as a house singer on Shindig!—an ABC music show.
- Sherman recorded 107 songs, released 23 singles and 10 albums between 1962 and 1976.
- His breakout hit “Little Woman” peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 in Canada in 1969.
- That same song sold over one million copies and earned a gold disc from the RIAA.
- Sherman had seven Top 40 hits and earned seven gold singles, one platinum single, and five gold albums.
- He appeared in an episode of The Monkees as a character named Frankie Catalina and performed “The New Girl in School.”
- He played Jeremy Bolt, a stammering young logger, on Here Come the Brides from 1968 to 1970.
- By 1970, Sherman received more fan mail than any other performer on ABC.
- He appeared on Honey West, The Partridge Family, Emergency!, The Mod Squad, Frasier, and more.
- Sherman starred in the family film He Is My Brother (1975) and the cult movie Get Crazy (1983).
- His song “Julie, Do Ya Love Me” was his only U.K. chart hit, reaching #28 in 1970.
- In Canada, songs like “Cried Like a Baby” and “Hey, Mister Sun” also reached the Top 20.
- From the late ’60s to mid-’70s, he toured extensively and performed to sold-out crowds around the world.
- The volume of screaming fans at his concerts caused hearing loss over time.
- In 1974, Sherman appeared on Emergency! and found a new calling in public service.
- He became a certified paramedic and taught CPR and first aid for the LAPD.
- He served as a technical Reserve Police Officer in the 1990s and was still active as of 2017.
- In 1999, Sherman was named LAPD’s Reserve Officer of the Year.
- That same year, he became a reserve deputy sheriff with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
- He co-founded the Brigitte & Bobby Sherman Children’s Foundation, which supports students in Ghana.
- Sherman returned to the stage in the late ’90s for The Teen Idol Tour and gave his final solo concert in 2001.
- In March 2025, it was announced that Sherman had stage 4 cancer. He died in June 2025, at age 81.
From teen idol to tireless educator, from stage lights to sirens, Bobby Sherman left an indelible mark—not only on music and television, but in the lives of those he helped, taught, and inspired.