In Memoriam:
Harriet "Hesh" Wasser

This lovely woman played a very important part in Bobby Darin's career and life. They met, as Darin biographer Al DiOrio put it, "at Hanson's. She was having coffee at the counter when Bobby sat down next to her. At the time, she was working as a PR rep and secretary for Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme. She knew who Bobby was and struck up a conversation. By the time the coffee was done, she had agreed to do Bobby's PR for no salary. She just knew he'd make it.

"Once the irrepressible energy of Harriet Wasser had been combined with the irrepressible talents of Bobby Darin, a special chemistry had been formed," continued DiOrio. "Harriet was nothing if not persistent. If she thought someone could help Bobby's career, she would corner them anywhere -- in coffee shops, supermarkets, record stores; on street corners, at radio stations, and on the telephone. She plagued them, she cajoled them. They had to listen to Bobby, they had to put an item in their column or play his record. Basically, they had to do something. And little by little, they did."

Hesh and Bobby became lifelong friends and business associates. Even with Bobby's death in 1973, Hesh continued to tirelessly promote Bobby's life and work. If Hesh believed in someone, they were going places. She would see to it that they did. She is a great part of the reason the world has heard of Bobby Darin and continues to hear of Bobby Darin. Several years ago she co-produced a Bobby Darin tribute CD ("My Tribute to that Darin Guy") by New York jazz singer Stan Edwards, and she promoted his nightclub tribute to Darin as well.

She was quite a dynamo, and quite a friend to Bobby and his fans. She remained a fervent protector of his legacy, along with Steve Blauner, Bobby's manager; Jimmy Scalia, the Darin archivist; and Dodd Darin, Bobby's son.

One of the many great gifts she gave the fans was participating in an interview by friend and fan Patricia Zimmer for the 30th anniversary section of the official Bobby Darin website; it reveals her friendship and love for Bobby.

Rest in peace, Hesh. Although you are sorely missed, here's hoping you're sharing a cuppa joe with the guy you helped get his start...Bobby Darin.

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