Down the Line is the 21st studio album by American singer Bobby Vee, released on June 22, 1999, by Rockhouse Studios, his 1st studio album in 27 years. It was produced by Vee and his son, Jeff, and arranged and conducted by Greg Armstrong and Jeff Vee[1] with the help of his three sons.[2] as a tribute to Buddy Holly whom Vee listed among his influences. After Holly was killed on February 3, 1959, along with Ritchie Valens, the Big Bopper, and pilot Roger Peterson when their plane crashed in Iowa on their way to Fargo, North Dakota, Vee was selected to replace Holly on the tour, which led to the launch of his recording career.[3] He also released another Holly Album in 1963 called I Remember Buddy Holly.[2]
The album was recorded in 1996 and it took three years to make,[4] It features his greatest hits,[5] also included a new, re-recorded version of "Love's Made a Fool of You" , which previously appeared on his 1961 album Bobby Vee with Strings and Things, and "It Doesn't Matter Anymore", & "Maybe Baby", which both previously appeared on his 1963 album I Remember Buddy Holly. His wife Karen was Exec Activities, and his daughter Karen designed their cover.[6]
Vee later said that this is his personal favourite album[7]
Bruce Eder of AllMusic praises "he has assembled a trio that isn't bad when it comes to emulating and modernizing (without destroying) the sound of the Crickets or Holly's post-Crickets work – and there's a moment or two when they could pass for the Stray Cats; and even more impressively, Vee co-produced this record."[10]
Star Tribune praise Bobby for keeping Buddy Holly's spirit alive mentioned that "as 'Rock Me, My and he did a broken version a demo of 'Love Is What's the market for this CD".[4]
in Rock N Roll Gold Rush: A Singles Un-Cyclopedia: Maury Dean praise {Bobby] "for his greatest voices of all time"[6]
Robert Reynolds mentions, "Several tunes are done up similar to the Buddy Holly originals, however, many other songs are given pleasant new arrangements."[11]
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