Bob Hite
 | This article needs more citations. (June 2014) |
Bob Hite | |
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.jpg) Hite in 1974 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | The Bear |
| Born | Robert Ernest Hite February 26, 1943 Torrance, California, U.S. |
| Died | April 5, 1981 (aged 38) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genre | Blues rock |
| Occupations |
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| Instruments |
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| Years active | 1965–1981 |
| Formerly of | Canned Heat |
| Website | bobhite |
Robert Ernest Hite (February 26, 1943 – April 5, 1981), also known as "The Bear", was an American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer who was the co-lead vocalist of the blues rock band Canned Heat from 1965 until his death in 1981.
Canned Heat
[edit] | This section relies on a single source. (March 2026) |
Hite was introduced to guitarist and vocalist Alan Wilson by guitarist Henry Vestine and the two of them helped convince blues pianist Sunnyland Slim (1906–1995) to record new material. In 1965, Hite formed a band with Wilson and Vestine, forming the core of Canned Heat. They were eventually joined by Larry Taylor (bass) and Frank Cook (drums), with Adolfo de la Parra replacing Cook in 1967, finalising the band's first classic lineup. Hite primarily served as the band's co-lead vocalist, but occasionally played harmonica, flute, guitar and bass with the band.
Hite performed with Canned Heat at Monterey in June 1967 and Woodstock in August 1969. The performances were not included in the original (1970) film Woodstock, but are in the 1994 director's cut version. Hite also produced the John Lee Hooker and Canned Heat album Hooker 'N Heat (1971).[1]
Personal life
[edit] | This section relies on a single source. (March 2026) |
Robert Hite Jr was born to Robert Ernest Hite Sr. & Anna Elizabeth Carson on February 26, 1943[2]. According to 1950 census records, his childhood home was located at 5152 Zakon Road in Torrance, CA 90505[3]. Hite was an avid record collector, and on an episode of Playboy After Dark, revealed that he had over 15,000 78s.[4]
Death
[edit]On April 5, 1981, during a break between sets at The Palomino Club in North Hollywood, Hite was handed a vial of heroin by a fan. He snorted it and fell into a coma, after which others unsuccessfully attempted to revive him with a large dose of cocaine. A group of roadies lifted Hite and placed him inside a van, where he died en route to the home of bandmate Adolfo de la Parra.[5][6] Hite was 38 years old.
References
[edit]- ↑ Chilton, Martin (January 15, 2024). "'Hooker 'N Heat': A Fiery Collaboration Between Two Blues Legends". uDiscover Music. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
- ↑ "FamilySearch.org". ancestors.familysearch.org. Retrieved September 20, 2026.
- ↑ "FamilySearch.org". ancestors.familysearch.org. Retrieved September 20, 2026.
- ↑ "Playboy After Dark – Season 2, Episode 4: Sonny & Cher; Vic Damone; Canned Heat; Larry Storch; Dick Shawn". TV.com. July 22, 2006. Archived from the original on February 3, 2011. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
- ↑ De La Parra, Fito. (2011). Living The Blues. Canned Heat's Story of Music, Drugs, Death, Sex and Survival, 3rd edition, pp. 216-218. ISBN 978-1-4566-0332-8
- ↑ "Canned Heat: the badass blues band that death couldn't kill". Loudersound.com. October 19, 2018. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
External links
[edit]| International | |
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| National | |
| Artists | |
 | This article about a United States rock singer is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by adding missing information. |
- American blues harmonica players
- American blues singers
- American blues guitarists
- American male guitarists
- Canned Heat members
- 1943 births
- 1981 deaths
- Musicians from Los Angeles County, California
- Songwriters from California
- Deaths by heroin overdose in California
- Entertainers from Topanga, California
- People from Torrance, California
- 20th-century American guitarists
- Guitarists from California
- 20th-century American male singers
- American male songwriters
- 20th-century American songwriters
- American rock singer stubs