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Robert John, Beloved ‘Sad Eyes’ Crooner, Dies at 79


Robert John, the beloved crooner behind hits like "Sad Eyes," has died at 79 years old.

Robert John, a singer-songwriter whose inimitable voice lent itself to a number of Billboard Hot 100 hits including “Sad Eyes” and an enduring version of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” died on Monday (Feb. 24). Born Bobby Pedrick, Jr., in Brooklyn, New York, first made waves in the pop world at just 12 years old with the single, “White Bucks and Saddle Shoes.” The song peaked at No. In 1965, he changed his name and by 1971, he notched a major hit, a cover of The Tokens’ 1961 classic, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” John’s version, one of the most popular renditions of the track to this day, made its way to No.

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Robert John, Crooner Behind Number One Hit ‘Sad Eyes,’ Dead at 79