Bobby Vinton Collapses Onstage

[TexasStooge]

LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) - Singer Bobby Vinton collapsed onstage Sunday night at a performance in central Pennsylvania, but his condition apparently improved backstage and he refused hospitalization, officials said.

Vinton, 68, had been performing at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster for about an hour when he sat down beside the piano player and dropped his head toward the keys.

"The piano player caught him, and Bobby said the show was over for the night," said audience member Don Eves of Washington Boro, who said Vinton had been heavily perspiring.

Jim Herr, a supervisor with Lancaster County Communications, confirmed early Monday that the ambulance service had been called to the theater about Vinton. He did not know details of the singer's condition, but said no one was transported for treatment.

Vinton, a native of the Pittsburgh suburb of Canonsburg, recovered backstage and later joined his family at a nearby hotel, the Intelligencer Journal of Lancaster reported.

Theater management did not immediately return a telephone message left by The Associated Press on Monday.

Vinton, known as "the Polish Prince," has had more than 40 songs make the charts since 1962, when the 27-year-old crooner had his first gold record with "Roses Are Red." Other Vinton classics include "Blue Velvet," "Mr. Lonely" and "There! I've Said It Again."

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Information from: Intelligencer Journal, http://www.lancasteronline.com/intell

[JCT777]

Glad to hear Bobby Vinton is OK.