US pop singer Bobby Vee, best known for his 1960s hits including “Rubber Ball and “Take Good Care of My Baby,” has died at the age of 73.

Vee’s big break came about in 1959 at the age of 15 when he filled in for Buddy Holly after the singer’s death in a plane crash.

#RIP to the legendary Bobby Vee, who passed away today aged 73. (1943 – 2016) #rockandroll pic.twitter.com/hUQrFKP4YB— Andy Osborne (@AzalCrow) October 24, 2016


Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper were also killed in the accident in Iowa, along with the pilot, Roger Peterson.

A call went out for local acts to replace Holly at his scheduled show at the Moorhead National Guard Armory. Vee and his band, which had only formed two weeks previously, volunteered.

Vee went onto recard 28 top 100 hits and released more than 25 albums during his career, retiring in 2011 after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Tributes to the singer have filled social media:

RIP Bobby Vee
With deepest sympathy from Gerry’s family and mine to Bobby Vee's family and friends. pic.twitter.com/DxA7QNVZZh— Carole King (@Carole_King) October 24, 2016


Bobby Vee, the 1960s pop singer who helped give Bob Dylan his start, has died https://t.co/xZC75wrIdA— Pitchfork (@pitchfork) October 25, 2016


Very sad news: Bobby Vee has died. Great interpreter of Carole King, Buddy Holly among many others. Truly lovely man & family. RIP— Sir Tim Rice (@SirTimRice) October 24, 2016