'60s Pop Singer Bobby Vee Passes Away Aged 73

Renowned US pop artist Bobby Vee (real name Robert Velline) has died at the age of 73. 

According to BBC, the beloved singer's son, Jeff Velline, said he died peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday.

Velline described his father as "a person who brought joy all over the world".

Velline released more than 25 albums throughout his career and scored over 30 Top 100 hits in the US, including Devil or Angel, The Night Has a Thousand Eyes, Come Back When You Grow Up, Please Don't Ask About Barbara and Punish Her.

The North Dakota-born musician was thrust into the spotlight at just 15 years old, when he filled in for legendary act Buddy Holly following his death in a plane crash.

Velline retired from the music industry in 2011 after he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease.