Born Robert Ridarelli on April 26, 1942, the star died on April 5, just weeks shy of what would . Bobby Rydell, a pompadoured heartthrob of early rock 'n roll who was a star of radio, television and the movie musical "Bye Bye Birdie," died Tuesday. After that, he changed his name to Bobby Rydell and began playing music with various bands around his hometown of Philadelphia. Ive always liked Bobbys music, but I have never been as obsessed with him as many others in my generation were. I started a stint in the National Guard in 1964 that began with two months of basic training at Fort Dix. His first move was to buy me a $525, state-of-the-art, black oyster-pearl Ludwig drum setfrom Eighth Street Music. But, like many other alcoholics, Bobby was very good at hiding his addiction few people knew how much he could drink and how bad it was. [4], In 1961, he performed at the Copacabana in New York City, where he was the youngest performer to headline at the nightclub. Addeddate. The track had a lot going for it: an irresistible hook in its ba-daboom kick drum figure, the roster of city names in the lyric that personalized the song to a lot of fans in a lot of different markets, and thenthere was that flamethrower of a solo from future Saturday Night Live saxophonist Georgie Young. They had two children. The Great Pretender; 28. Mr. Rydell, Mr. Avalon and Fabian would perform their own songs and then sing together; there would also be tributes to Frank Sinatra and to Mr. Rydells favorite singer, Bobby Darin. Fortunately, the double organ transplant went well, and Bobby got a second chance in life something he was eternally grateful for. He enjoyed a further glimmer of chart success with a disco version of his song Sway in 1976. Rydell's last hit came in the mid-'70s when he released a disco cover of the song "Sway." Im the kind of guy wholl sing and perform until I die. He also appeared on The Danny Thomas Show, Jack Benny, Joey Bishop, and The George Burns Show. For his fans, the book is a story about hope, redemption and mortality. Often, when I was performing at nightclubs and casinos, the guys would be around, just digging the music and socializing with their wives orgoombahs. I told Jules about what had happened downstairsbefore the show and would you believe it? He told The Morning Call that his drinking became heavier after his lost his wife of 35 years, Camille Quattrone Ridarelli, in 2003. He could have done a lot of good things with the $3,000settlement he received from his employer. Cameo got right down to business, cutting three songs with me in their primitive, monaural studio. But if any of us Italiancrooners wanted to distance ourselvesfrom the image of a mob-backed Italian singer, it became almost impossible after my fellow SouthPhiladelphian, Al Martino, played Johnny Fontane in, . Underscoring his ties to his family and his city, and going against recommendations that he live on the West Coast, Mr. Rydell bought a house in 1963 in Penn Valley, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia, and moved in with his parents and grandparents. A polished performer by the age of 19, he was the youngest person ever to headline the famous Copacabana in New York. Bobby Rydell, 'Wild One' singer, dead at 79 - WCVB [20], The street on which he was born in Philadelphia was renamed Bobby Rydell Boulevard, in his honor. RELATED: For more celebrity news delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. That man you just called aliardo you know who that is?. At age 6, he told his father he wanted to play the drums, like Gene Krupa; a year or two later Bobby was singing in local nightclubs. When he was nine, young Robert won a spot on the television show Paul Whitemans TV Teen Club and became a regular cast member. "Popular Singer Now Training at Indiantown Gap", Abington Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, History of Italian Americans in Philadelphia, List of acts who appeared on American Bandstand, "Bobby Rydell Wall Mural Wildwood Boardwalk", "Bobby Rydell, 1960s Pop Idol and Star of 'Bye Bye Birdie,' Dies at 79", "Academy Premiering Digital Restoration of Bye Bye Birdie; Ann-Margret and Bobby Rydell to Attend", "Bobby Rydell, Teenage Idol With Enduring Appeal, Dies at 79", "Bobby Rydell Comes Clean in His New Autobiography", "60s singer Rydell gets 2 organ transplants in Pa", "Bobby Rydell, singer and Philly native known for 'Wildwood Days' dies at 79", "Local singer is in national movie 'Green Book', "Bobby Rydell Charts & Awards Billboard Singles", "The Man Who Knew It Wasn't Only Rock 'n' Roll", Bobby Rydell obituary on Best Classic Bands, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bobby_Rydell&oldid=1138024217, "Everything Seemed Better (When I Was Younger)", This page was last edited on 7 February 2023, at 16:37. Six decades later, teamed with his fellow singers Frankie Avalon and Fabian, he was still drawing. Bobby Rydell Tour Dates & Concert Tickets Its all Ive ever known. DJ Jerry Blavat spoke of his friend's talents to The Philadelphia Inquirer, claiming, "He could have been as big as Bobby Darin, but he didn't want to leave Philadelphia." [21] On July 9, 2012, he underwent a double organ transplant, to replace his liver and one kidney, at Thomas Jefferson University in his hometown of Philadelphia. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. In 2020 he recalled: I said to Frankie this is great, but how long is this going to last? Within three weeks, it was the No. Robert Louis Ridarelli[1] (April 26, 1942 April 5, 2022), known by the stage name Bobby Rydell /radl/, was an American singer and actor who mainly performed rock and roll and traditional pop music. When I cant do it anymore, you might as well start shoveling the dirt on top of me, Bobby said in 2016. I nursed a Coke for the next hour and took it all in. I headlined the club three orfour more times before it finally closed its doors in 1973. In return, Dick would expose Cameos recordings to his national audience. Bobby Rydell - The Original American Idol - Complete Singles As & Bs & Bonus Albums 1958-1962 [ORIGINAL RECORDINGS REMASTERED] . British rock and pop music swept in and became very popular in the United States. Cameo was started in 1956 by songwriters Bernie Lowe andKal Mann in the basement of Bernies West Oak Lane home. Mr. Rydells recording prime encompassed the era roughly between 1959, when Elvis Presley was in the Army and Buddy Holly died in a plane crash, and 1964, when Beatlemania hit America. This wasn't the star's first brush with a serious illness, though in fact, quite the contrary. When Kissin Time hit the airwaves in June of 1959, it triggered a seismic event that rippled through the company. From left, Fabian, Frankie Avalon and Mr. Rydell in performance in Atlantic City, N.J., in 2006. Now 73 and a survivor of a 2012 operation that left him with a new kidney and liver, Rydell is happy and committed to being on stage "as long as the chops are still working." Rydell made the charts in 1959 with "Kissin' Time," earning 11 Top 20 hits over the next five years. The very first '60s-era teen idol left behind a "tremendous" legacy now being mourned by heartbroken fans. His father shortened the boys name to Rydell for the show. Because of them we have some wonderful memories from growing up. Bobby Rydell, '60s teen idol and 'Bye Bye Birdie' star, dead at 79 After an agonizingly uncomfortable minute of silence, Louie returned to the table, smiled, gave me a hug and kissed me on the cheek. He was 79. A lot of Italian singers from my eraand probably a decade or two beforewere rumored to have mob affiliations or mob backing. Bobby Rydell, Bye Bye Birdie Actor and Teen Star, Dead at 79 He died on April 5 in Abington, Pennsylvania, from pneumonia complications, which were unrelated to Covid-19, aged 79. Within three weeks, it was the No. He appears at the films beginning and is played by actor Von Lewis. "And vodka became a very, very dear friendto the point where, a few years later, it led to a double transplant. A person close. I woke the next morning to see afront-page picture in the Philadelphia Inquirer of Camille andme walking down the steps of the church with close to onethousand of my fans in the street throwing rice at us as weentered a Rolls-Royce Silver Phantom limo. From then on, everybody just took it for granted: Oh, youre a bigItalian singing star; you must have the Mafia behind you., Hooters Drummer Celebrates Rock and Souls Philly Connection. Bobby Rydell death: Fifties teen idol and Grease inspiration dies, aged 79 We decided that was a crummy idea but at least we then had the idea of a song called "She Loves You". After three years on the show, he branched out into performing with local bands, including Rocco and the Saints in which a fellow Philadelphian, Frankie Avalon, played the trumpet and changed his name to Rydell. I sang the hell out of that tune, but the records success wasnt all because of me. Its amazing., There had been some rocky moments along the way. Rydell sold more than 25 million albums and had 34 top-100 hits. Bobby Rydell - I'll never dance again - From the cd "Now and then" Bobby Rydell, the star of "Bye Bye Birdie," has died. Rydell's cause of death was pneumonia, Variety reports.He had been hospitalized in Philadelphia, according to local news outlet WPVI.. Angel Is Missing, An; 25. His 1963 song Wildwood Days paid homage to Wildwood, the New Jersey beach town where his grandmother had a boardinghouse and where he spent his early summers; like Philadelphia, Wildwood later held an honorary street-naming for Mr. Rydell. Born Robert Ridarelli on April 26, 1942, the star died on April 5, just weeks shy of what would have been his 80th birthday. Bobby Rydell - Best of Bobby Rydell 1959-1964 - Amazon.com Music Bobby Rydell, one of the first music idols to spur teen fandom in the Fifties and Sixties, has died at age 79. [7], Rydell's success and prospects led his father, Adrio, a foreman at the Electro-Nite Carbon Company in Philadelphia, to resign in 1961 after 22 years to become his son's road manager. He notched up 19 singles in the Billboard Top 40, among the most successful of them We Got Love, Wild One and Volare. If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing He was singing in nightclubs a year or two later. [4] After a couple of flops, "Kissin' Time" made the charts in 1959. It could have been Anka High, Presley High, Everly High and they came up with Rydell High.". Associated Press. In 1958, Bobby signed a recording contract with Cameo Records. When I say drinking, I used to hide bottles of vodka in my golf bag in the back of the trunk of my car, and God forbid half of a bottle was gone, Id have to go to a liquor store and get a new one. Bobby Rydell, 60s teen idol and 'Bye Bye Birdie' star, dies - AP NEWS He continued to perform internationally and returned to tour Australia in 2014. Thankfully, Bobby managed to come back, and he even started touring as part of The Golden Boys stage production. Per an announcement made on his official Facebook page, Rydell's death has been attributed to pneumonia. Rydell and many of his generation were knocked off their pop pedestals by the dramatic arrival of the Beatles and their British counterparts, but he had the staying power of mainstream performers from a slightly earlier generation. Rydell died of complications from pneumonia at a hospital in a suburb of his hometown of Philadelphia, according to a statement posted by his marketing and event coordinator Maria Novey. It's very truthful, very sincere. Per Billboard, the singer had no less than 29 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 over his career. Mr. Rydell played Hugo Peabody, the meek high school steady of Kim McAfee, played by Ann-Margret, the small-town girl chosen to give the Elvis-like Conrad Birdie a kiss on national television. The Birth Of The Blues. Bobby Rydell, 1960s Pop Idol and Star of 'Bye Bye Birdie - Variety Even signing a deal with Frank Sinatras Reprise label in 1968 could not reverse the slide, with Rydell complaining that Reprise gave him no promotion. "Icon Fetch" 273a - Bobby Rydell - Teen Idol and Golden Boys (Podcast Episode) - Movies, TV, Celebs, and more. His name alone could conjure up an entire era: The 1970s rock musical Grease, in both its Broadway and movie versions, was set in 1959 at the fictional Rydell High School. But he still does shows for fans nostalgic for his music. "Icon Fetch" 273a - Bobby Rydell - Teen Idol and Golden Boys (Podcast 11 record in the country. Six decades later, teamed with his fellow singers Frankie Avalon and Fabian, he was still drawing crowds. Rydell has also performed both solo and with other musical acts, like he did in the show Stars of the Sixties. Billed as the Golden Boys, they had toured together since 1985. Bobby Rydell, US pop idol of the early 1960s, dies aged 79 Singer, drummer and actor had five US Top 10 hits, and inspired the Beatles to write She Loves You Bobby Rydell in his heyday.. Bobby Rydell, 'Bye Bye Birdie' star and 1950s teen idol, dead at 79 After a number of song hits, including "Wild One" and "Volare", he starred in Bye Bye Birdie (1963) before hitting the nightclub circuit. Bobby Rydell and Ann-Margret in Bye Bye Birdie (1963). Dubbed by Variety as one of the world's original teen idols, Rydell's icon status was cemented in "Grease," with the film's characters as students at Rydell High School. And I think the book reveals that. Bobby Rydell net worth was estimated at around $10 million. Bobby Rydell | Ambler PA - Facebook The follow-up, We Got Love, sold a million copies, igniting a streak of hits including Wild One, Swingin School, Ding-A-Ling and Volare. A Philly Music Legend has passed on. As the Facebook statement pointed out, at the time, "he became the youngest singer to perform" at the famed establishment. 60's Teen Idol Bobby Rydell on Overcoming Alcoholism - YouTube A person close to Bobby tells us . Biography | Bobby Rydell Rydell died of complications from. That was something.. But FrankieDay and my mother still picked out my clothes, and I was still living with my parents in my grandparents tiny row home. His father, a fan of the big bands, would take him as a child to see Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw at the Earle Theater in Philadelphia. [10], That same year, Rydell portrayed Hugo Peabody in the film version of Bye Bye Birdie, also starring Ann-Margret and Dick Van Dyke. If you need proof of how popular singer Bobby Rydell was in the late '50s, just look to the musical Greasethe high school in the play and movie was named in his honor. In a radio interview in 2013 in Hamilton, Ontario, Mr. Rydell explained why he hadnt stayed in Hollywood to make more movies: I couldnt. [19], Rydell was married to his first wife, Camille Quattrone Ridarelli, for 35 years, from 1968 until her death in 2003. In 2000, in the book The Beatles Anthology (p. 96), Paul McCartney said: John [Lennon] and I wrote "She Loves You" together. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Dont worry, thats outgoing, not incoming, one Marine told me. There was something about the lifestyle in California that I really wasnt used to. 11 on the Billboard chart. He had a nose like a bloodhound when it came to sniffing outa hit, and luckily for me, he caught a strong scent of Kissin Time and gave it his blessing. The Philadelphia native saw 34 of his singles land on the Billboard Hot 100, with the most well-known being "Wild One." Rydell is survived by his wife, Linda J. Hoffman, son Robert Ridarelli, daughter Jennifer Dulin, and his five grandchildren, according to the statement. He was a regular on The Milton Berle Show and was a panelist on To Tell the Truth in 1964. Rydell reveals how life was in the early days of rock n rolland how he once needed some help fromPhiladelphias mob bossat the time, Angelo Bruno, to secure a role in a movie. We might have a drink together, tell a few jokes or talk sports, but thats as far as it ever went. Bobby Rydell's autobiography was released earlier this month. His father was a machine shop foreman. Well, that was in 1985, and we're going on 2021, and we're still doing the show. I was so nervous and intimidated I declined the offer. Rydell died of complications from. In 1957, Frank Sinatra had portrayed him in the film. So we sat downAllan came to my homeand we sat down close to two years and I just poured my heart out. 2. scientific studies and medical journals. From Bobby Rydell Follow Fans Also Viewed Ed Sheeran See all 31 Events blink-182 See all 88 Events Turnstile See all 48 Events Monster Jam See all 222 Events Shania Twain See all 83 Events Dead & Company Hopefully they'll release it soon, as well as another Brook Benton which contains the missing tracks from the years they've done, the complete Sam Cooke, and Bobby Vinton complete Epic . All I Want Is You, for instance, was basically the same song as Stairway to the Stars, with a different melody. But, as the '60s continued on, Rydell's career slowed down thanks to new rock and roll bands like the Beatles. In 1957, Frank Sinatra had portrayed him in the film The Joker Is Wild, and unbeknownst to me, he was in the housethat night to see his old friend perform. 1 marketing tool in popularmusic at the time: Dick Clarks American Bandstand. He also said he was relieved that his voice was still fine after the surgery, because he'd had tubes in his throat, but he was able to start performing again after six months. And not only did she save my life, but she saved seven other people, as well. It really was, Bobby told The Morning Call. 6 How Lovely To Love a Woman - Bobby Rydell. Bobby Rydell, a Philadelphia-born singer who became a teenage idol in the late 1950s and, with his pleasant voice, stage presence and nice-guy demeanor, maintained a loyal following on tours even after both he and his original fans were well past retirement age, died on Tuesday in Abington, Pa. 312 talking about this. Towards the end of that decade and into the '60s, Rydell was a teen idol and one of the most popular musicians around. Bobby grew up on South 11th Street, and in 1995 his career achievements were recognised by his home city when the street was renamed Bobby Rydell Boulevard. His career had encompassed six decades. Instead, Bobby made a living by performing at nightclubs and in Las Vegas. He went on to star on television, stage, and film and became the author of a best-selling autobiography, BOBBY RYDELL: TEEN IDOL ON THE ROCKS - A Tale of Second Chances. Bobby Rydell ~ Songs List | OLDIES.com [2], In 1963, Rydell starred in an unsold television pilot called Swingin' Together produced by Desilu Productions, which featured him as the frontman for a four-piece rock 'n roll band seeking their big break. "A Philly Music Legend has passed on. Yes Bobby is gone-I am, Thank you, Bobby for all the fantastic songs. All of You; 29. We did the scene with no script, and during a break, I turn toDe Niro and say, Are we all right? He really went out of his way to make me feela part of his entourage, and then posed for a picture with me and signed a copy of my Live at the Copa album. They had two children. Sales. He grew up in the Lower Moyamensing neighborhood of South Philadelphia. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { [2] The original stage production of Bye Bye Birdie had no real speaking role for the character of Hugo, but the movie script was rewritten specifically to expand the part for Rydell. His international reputation was boosted by tours in Europe and others to Australia where he would tour 20 times Japan and the far east. According to a statement shared on Rydell's verified Facebook page, the crooner died. Fifties teen idol Bobby Rydell died from non-Covid related pneumonia complications on Tuesday (5 April) at Philadelphia's Jefferson Hospital, his spokesperson confirmed. Hes still on a high from a show two days earlier in a packed ballroom at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City. 8:06 PM EDT, Tue April 5, 2022. Its a classic, Bobby told Connecticut Magazine. He married Linda Hoffman in 2009. Mr. Rydell and two other affable performers who became stars in those years, Frankie Avalon and Fabian, grew up within about two blocks of one another in South Philadelphia. It is the first film for actor-singer Bobby, 20, and the . The stories ofFrank Sinatras alleged connections to guys like Sam Giancana and Vito Genovese dogged him throughout his career. SonicHits. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Detroit, Boston, New York, Pittsburgh, and othercities followed suit. Bobby Rydell, a 1950s teen idol who starred in the hit musical film "Bye Bye Birdie," has died. After cutting a few unsuccessful singles, Rydell signed to Cameo Records, and made his first appearance on the charts with the exuberant Kissin Time (1959). Long after their days on the pop chart were past them, they enjoyed great success on the oldies circuit. Columbia Pictures signed Mr. Rydell to a contract in 1961. Idwasted the opportunity to meet one of myall-time heroes. 7 One Last Kiss - Stereo - Bobby Rydell. The movie was the 13th highest-grossing film of 1963. Paris Jackson speaks out, says how Michael Jackson actually was as a father, 'Today' co-hosts reveal Hoda Kotb on leave due to 'family health matter', Tom Sizemore's family deliver tragic update as he remains in critical condition after stroke, Simon Cowell made a fortune on American Idol meet his only child, Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming shares heartbreaking video of him after his dementia diagnosis, This new mother plans to leave her baby unwashed and unbathed for at least a month, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' star, dead at 61, 31-year-old woman who admitted having sex with 13-year-old won't receive jail time, Pastor declared 'clinically deceased' returns home to finish miraculous recovery. Surprisingly, those first three duds I cut for Cameo didnt faze Bernie and Kal in the least. Bobby Rydell, 60s teen idol and 'Bye Bye Birdie' star, dies - WDBJ So, what happened to this American entertainment legend, and why he disappeared for a few years in the 2000s? 7" Single on 45cat: Bobby Rydell - The Woodpecker Song / Little Queenie - Cameo Parkway - Netherlands - CP 26.398 : 45worlds 45cat 45spaces. According to a statement shared on Rydell's verified Facebook page, the crooner died. Now, they tour as The Golden Boys. CDs Vinyl. Books Magazines. Remembered for hits including "Volare" and "Swinging School", Rydell also appeared in the 1963 movie Bye Bye Birdie with Dick Van Dyke and Ann-Margret. Born Robert Ridarelli, Rydell got his first song on the Billboard 100 in 1959 and went on to have a career that included 34 top 100 hits and more than 25 million album sales, according to the statement. . Part of the key to Cameos success was that it was located in Philadelphia, a few miles away from the No. He married Linda Hoffman in 2009. It was The Beatles that took over the role of teenage idols. Rydell died of complications from pneumonia . On April 5, 2022, TMZ revealed that Bobby passed away at the age of 79. [2] In May 1960, Rydell toured Australia with The Everly Brothers, Billy "Crash" Craddock, Marv Johnson, The Champs, The Crickets, and Lonnie Lee. I think your father fked up your career., My spine instantly tightened up and I saw red. I was impressed at first sight. [17] He continued to perform in nightclubs, supper clubs and Las Vegas venues throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but his career was hampered by the refusal by ABKCO Records to reissue Rydell's Cameo-Parkway catalog, so it was completely unavailable until 2005, although he did re-record his hits in 1995 for K-tel Records). Robert Louis Ridarelli [1] (April 26, 1942 - April 5, 2022), known by the stage name Bobby Rydell / radl /, was an American singer and actor who mainly performed rock and roll and traditional pop music. In his interview with From the Mixed Up Files, he shared a story about his wife discovering some of his old work. He could have paid off some bills, taken a long overdue vacation with my mom, redecorated thehouse, bought a new car but no, not my dad. Then Louie delivered an unexpected and unwanted critique: You should be much bigger than you are. Join Songkick to track Bobby Rydell and get concert alerts when they play near you. He diedon April 5 in Abington, Pennsylvania, from pneumonia complications, which were unrelated to Covid-19, aged 79. Bobby Rydell obituary | Pop and rock | The Guardian It didnt take them long to come up with the song thatwould kick-start my career. Bobby Rydell Tickets, 2023 Concert Tour Dates | Ticketmaster Up walks this very dapper-lookinggentleman oozing power and charisma. Bobby Rydell Comes Clean in His New Autobiography - Main Line Today His singing career lasted for decades (above, left and right), and he is often remembered for dancing alongside Ann-Margret in the film . The headliner that night wasa prominent local act named Billy Duke and the Dukes, whose bass player was known as Frankie Day. He was 79. Bobby Rydell was the very definition of talent. By 2014, his schedule was heavy again, including 11 concerts in Australia that February. Bobby first found success as a teen idol, selling over 25 million records. In the Broadway musical Grease, the high school is called Rydell High an elegant but sometimes forgotten tribute to Bobby Rydell. 45cat - Bobby Rydell - Good Time Baby / Cherie' - Columbia - Denmark His style is packed with rhythm and bounce, and his nice boy next door demeanor is quite winning. He had his first hit in 1959. I sang the hell out of that tune, but the records success wasnt all because of me. Bobby Rydell came on the Pop / Rock scene with the release of the album 'The Best Of Bobby Rydell' published on October 18, 2005. [4], Rydell cancelled a 2012 Australia tour because his health had deteriorated significantly and he was in need of urgent major surgery. Hes still on a high from a show two days earlier in a packed ballroom at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City. In the early 1960s, with giant hits like Wild One, Volare and We Got Love, Bobby became an instant teen idol with his chart-topping songs. Mr. Rydell was a pop phenomenon but hardly a cutting-edge rock star. At outposts surrounded by sandbags and soldiers with M60s, I slept on cots with loaded guns and hand grenades less than an arms-lengthaway. Chippie Peters, thebands drummer, was ill, so Cheech asked me to fill in, sing a few tunes and do my usual imitations and comedy.