Bob Hite

For the radio and television announcer, see Bob Hite (announcer).

Bob Hite
Hite in 1974
Background information
Birth name	Robert Ernest Hite
Also known as	The Bear
Born	(1943-02-26)February 26, 1943 Torrance, California, U.S.
Died	April 5, 1981(1981-04-05) (aged 38) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Blues blues rock
Occupation(s)	Musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)	Vocals, harmonica, flute, guitar
Years active	1965–1981
Website	Official website

Robert Ernest Hite (February 26, 1943 – April 5, 1981) was the co-lead vocalist of the American blues and rock band Canned Heat, from 1965 to his death in 1981. His nickname was "The Bear".

Canned Heat

Hite was introduced to Alan Wilson by Henry Vestine and the two of them helped convince blues pianist Sunnyland Slim (1906-1995) to get back into the recording studio to record. In 1965 Hite formed a band with Wilson and Vestine. This trio formed the core of Canned Heat. They were eventually joined by Larry Taylor (bass) and Frank Cook (drums). 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.

Canned Heat appeared on a November 1969 episode of Playboy After Dark. Hite was an avid record collector, and on the episode, informed Hugh Hefner that he had over 15,000 78s. He produced the John Lee Hooker and Canned Heat album, Hooker 'N Heat (1971).

Death

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 put Hite in a van and drove him to bandmate Fito de la Parra's home, where he died.