Grapevine: ’60s teen idol Bobby Vee dies

’60s teen idol Bobby Vee dies

After a five-year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, former teen idol Bobby Vee died at age 73. He had hits with “Run to Him,” “Rubber Ball” and “Take Good Care of My Baby.” The latter, penned by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, was a No. 1 hit for Vee. The song was covered by the Beatles for their 1961 Decca Records audition, according to Rolling Stone. Bob Dylan was once a member of Vee’s band, and was quoted in 2013 as saying that Vee was “the most meaningful person I’ve ever been onstage with.” Vee, a North Dakota native, got his big break in 1959 when he was booked on a bill to replace Buddy Holly, who died in the famous plane crash with Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper.

Jared Fogle’s ex-wife sues Subway

The wife of former Subway spokesman Jared Fogle, Katie McLaughlin, is suing the fast-food giant. She is alleging that top executives at Subway knew Fogle was a pedophile as early as 2004 and should have done something. She married him in 2010. Fogle is in federal prison after being convicted on charges of child pornography and having sex with minors. McLaughlin’s suit gives examples of instances when executives at Subway learned of Fogle’s behavior yet continued to use him as a spokesman. Her lawsuit asks for compensation for “intentional infliction of emotional distress,” according to CNN, but doesn’t specify a dollar amount. McLaughlin says she’s suing to get answers to exactly what Subway knew about Fogle’s predatory behaviors.

Singer Pete Burns dies

Eccentric singer Pete Burns died Sunday at age 57 of cardiac arrest. He was was front man for the British band Dead or Alive, which scored with the No. 1 hit “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” in 1985. Burns also appeared on “Celebrity Big Brother 2006,” and was known for his androgynous appearance. Fellow British singer Boy George posted on Twitter shortly after hearing of Burns’ death to say he was “tearful.” “He was one of our great true eccentrics and such a big part of my life! Wow. Hard to believe!” British politician George Galloway described Burns as “a cross between Oscar Wilde and Dorothy Parker. You don’t get more brilliant than that.”

Wil Wheaton visits Madison Heights comic shop

Actor Wil Wheaton, known for his work on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and for his 1986 role in the iconic film “Stand by Me,” will discuss his support for Hillary Clinton on Wednesday at Comics & More, 28059 John R in Madison Heights. He will also take photos with fans, who may bring one item for him to sign. Fans are asked to arrive at 3:30 and the event will be 4-5 p.m. only. Call the shop at (248) 399-3213.

Also ...

■Jay Leno will be the featured performer at the charity gala at Stahls Automotive Museum, 56516 North Bay in Chesterfield on Nov. 10. Tickets, $265, are available at stahlsautogala.eventbrite.com. The following day, Nov. 11, the museum will be open free of charge to veterans and their families for Veterans Day.

■Trey Songz and Chris Brown will headline “Big Show at the Joe” on Dec. 28 at Joe Louis Arena. Tickets, $20 and up, go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster or Olympia Entertainment. Call (313) 471-6611.

Compiled by Melody Baetens

mbaetens@detroitnews.com

Tuesday’s birthdays

Nancy Cartwright, 59

Chad Smith, 55

Samantha Bee, 47

Craig Robinson, 45

Katy Perry, 32

Ciara, 31