| Bob Hite | |
| Birth Date: | February 26, 1943 |
| Birth Place: | Torrance, California, U.S. |
| Death Place: | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Birth Name: | Robert Ernest Hite |
| Alias: | The Bear |
| Instrument: | Vocals, harmonica, flute, guitar |
| Occupation: | Musician, songwriter |
| Years Active: | 1965–1981 |
| Past Member Of: | Canned Heat |
| 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".
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.[1] He produced the John Lee Hooker and Canned Heat album, Hooker 'N Heat (1971).[2]
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.[3] [4]