Bobby Rydell was a teen idol in the early 1960s known for the hits “Wildwood Days” and “Volare,” and who starred with Ann-Margaret in the film “Bye Bye Birdie.”
Teen Idol
Bobby Rydell first hit the charts as a teenager in 1959 when his single “Kissin’ Time” reached the top 20 in 1959. That same year he had his first million selling song titled “We Got Love,” followed up in 1960 with hit singles “Swingin’ School” and “Ding-A-Ling.” Rydell became a teen idol and he starred in the 1963 musical film “Bye Bye Birdie” with Ann-Margaret and Dick Van Dyke. He had other hit songs in the early 1960s including “Volare” and “Wildwood Days.” The arrival of the British Invasion in 1964 cooled off Rydell’s singing career. The hit musical “Grease” named the high school in the play after him as a tribute. The Philadelphia native was a popular performer on the road who was scheduled to appear at the Golden Nugget Casino in Atlantic City in June.
Tributes to Bobby Rydell
RIP Bobby Rydell. South Philly legend. Got to know him in later years- great guy, huge Philly sports fan, and kept a lifetime friendship with Ann Margret from his Bye Bye Birdie days. pic.twitter.com/03KhOi34TY
— Eric Cohen (@ebcinpa) April 5, 2022
Sad news to pass along, good friend Bobby Rydell passed away this morning. He would have been 80 years old on April 26th. This pic was taken when he visited with us on Good Day back in 2017.
Let’s all play Wildwood Days in his honor!! pic.twitter.com/qlrr9LsKXR
— Bob Kelly (@BobKellyFOX29) April 5, 2022
Full Obituary: Variety
ncG1vNJzZmhqZGy7psPSmqmorZ6Zwamx1qippZxemLyue86boK2tkafGcK7Om5myZaKusaa4y2amm6Gkqq6zxYxqcG9oo2LBprHNZqCdp5xisaqx0maYrWVnbnw%3D