In 2012 he was told, that he needed an organ transplant because he was in liver and kidney failure. "I never thought of myself as a celebrity," he told The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2003. Gov. Knowing the inner workings of the companys production line was probably a good thing, but it wasnt going to get me a hit. Cameo was started in 1956 by songwriters Bernie Lowe andKal Mann in the basement of Bernies West Oak Lane home. Often, when I was performing at nightclubs and casinos, the guys would be around, just digging the music and socializing with their wives orgoombahs. Bobby Rydell's salary per month with other career earnings was over $1 million annually. FILE - Singer Bobby Rydell is shown aboard a luxury liner in New York City after arrival from Europe on March 12, 1962. His father was a machine shop foreman. Rydell released the song Wildwood Days in 1963; it reached Number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained on the chart for nine weeks. His entourage for the night included Joe DiMaggio, songwriters Sammy Cahn andJimmy Van Heusen, and actor Richard Conti. In 2012 he was told 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 onstage 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. [23], Rydell died from complications of pneumonia at Jefferson Abington Hospital on April 5, 2022, at the age of 79. Learn more at www.drmirkin.com, Our site uses cookies. He is survived by his second wife, Linda Hoffman, whom he married in 2009, along with son Robert Ridarelli, daughter Jennifer Dulin, and five grandchildren. A fewblocks away at Idolmaker Bob Marcuccis Chancellor Records, Frankie Avalon already had a huge smash with Venus, and Fabian hadscored with Turn Me Loose.. His son had passed away, and Bobby always felt he was looked upon by Mr. Skelton as a son.. His main source of income is from his career as an actor and singer. His successful career earned him some luxurious lifestyles and some fancy car trips. Bobby Rydell played in several bands in the Philadelphia area, including Rocco and the Saints, in which he sang and played drums. Among countless other cultural references such as The Beatles' hit "She Loves You," which as Vulture pointed out, was a response to Rydell's "Swingin' School" further preserving Rydell's memory is his own repertoire of hits. It probably cost more than the combined value of all the other furniture. The bands drummer was sick so Frankie Avalon asked Rydell to play the drums and sing a few songs. I nursed a Coke for the next hour and took it all in. Mr. Rydell did not just have staying power; he also made a comeback after years of alcohol abuse, which he chronicled in his autobiography, Bobby Rydell: Teen Idol on the Rocks (2016), written with the guitarist and producer Allan Slutsky. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. In the early 1960s, he was considered a teen idol. The block of 11th Street where he grew up was christened Bobby Rydell Boulevard by his hometown in 1995. In 2011, Sony Pictures digitally restored this film. He had some hit songs in the late 50s and early 60s. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. He is survived by his wife, Linda J. Hoffman (who is not related to Linda F. Hoffman); two children from his first marriage, Robert Ridarelli and Jennifer Dulin; and five grandchildren. 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. It could have been Anka High, Presley High, Everly High and they came up with Rydell High.". Uncle Julieas he asked me to call himwas the guy who ran the Copa. His main source of income is from his career as an actor and singer. After a number of song hits, including "Wild One" and "Volare", he starred in Bye Bye Birdie (1963) before hitting the nightclub circuit. 1 marketing tool in popularmusic at the time: Dick Clarks. I guess he had respected me forbeing a man by standing up for my pop. Mr. Rydell performing with the City Rhythm Orchestra in Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center in Manhattan in 2016. According to a statement shared on Rydell's verified Facebook page, the crooner died. A cause of death was not stated when his passing was announced. As the Facebook statement pointed out, at the time, "he became the youngest singer to perform" at the famed establishment. Its part of the life ofa septuagenarian teen idol who doesnt want the ride to end. He gave up alcohol and received a liver and a single kidney transplant, and became a major spokesman for organ donation. Like Paul Whitemans TV Teen Club, the show was broadcast weekday afternoonson ABC from local affiliate WFILs 46th and Market Street studio. How could I have any kind of serious relationship with Camille under those conditions? "We weren't out to prove anything. In 1968 at age 26, he married Camille Quattrone, who died of cancer 35 years later. 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, . Drugs to protect the transplanted organs also suppress your ability to recognize and kill invading germs, so they markedly increase your risk for life-threatening infections. Idwasted the opportunity to meet one of myall-time heroes. Some months after my debut at the Copa, my dad, Frankie Day and I drove up to New York City to see singer-comedian Joe E. Lewis, who wasappearing at the club. 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. They included his most popular successes: "Wild One" (his highest scoring single, at number 2), "Volare" (number 4), "Swingin' School" (number 5), "Kissin' Time" (number 11), "Sway" (number 14), "I've Got Bonnie" (number 18), and "The Cha-Cha-Cha" (number 10). Looking him right in the eye, I said, Louie, youre a fkin liar., As soon as the words left my mouth, I knew I was in trouble. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. 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. Unlike some of the other pretty faces of his era, he was a real musician. One night, they were booked as the opening act at a very popular club in Somers Point, N.J., called Bayshores. Detroit, Boston, New York, Pittsburgh, and othercities followed suit. May he rest peacefully.". Bobby Rydells cause of death was pneumonia. Bobby Rydell. Some months after my debut at the Copa, my dad, Frankie Day and I drove up to New York City to see singer-comedian Joe E. Lewis, who wasappearing at the club. The bass player for the main band was Frankie Day who liked Rydell and offered to manage his career. The song, written by Tony Hatch, was his fifth and final gold disc winner. 1 record titled Butterfly with Cameos first artist, singer-guitarist Charlie Gracie. He lost part ofhis middle finger in a work-related accident while operating some machinery. We might have a drink together, tell a few jokes or talk sports, but thats as far as it ever went. In Kon Tum, I sang What Kind of Fool Am I? to a large crowd of Marines while howitzers were laying down a barrage a fewmilesaway. It was great, he says. I was basically a South Philadelphia kid, and I was an East Coast guy. (He also played a nightclub singer in the 1975 film That Lady From Peking, which was shot in Australia.). I had the good fortune to spend my peak years as a recording artist during the golden age of the TV variety show, Mr. Rydell wrote in his autobiography. It was scary, but all in all it was absolutely tremendous. (Mr. Rydell went on to tour in Australia more than 20 times. Dick Van Dyke and Janet Leigh were the films stars, but the parts of Hugo and Kim were considerably beefed up in the transition from stage to screen. He won the contest, and the shows presenter, Paul Whiteman, recruited him into the cast, where he remained for several years. 45K views, 3K likes, 867 loves, 636 comments, 479 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Bobby Rydell: I hope you are doing well and staying healthy. Bobby Rydell (born Robert Louis Ridarelli; April 26, 1942 - April 5, 2022) was an American singer and actor, who mainly performed rock and roll music. His recording career earned him 34 Top 100 hits, placing him in the Top 5 artists of his era (Billboard). Bobby Rydell was a rock and roll singer and actor who was a "teen idol" in the 1960s. Bobby Rydell performing in Wildwood at age 10, A lot of Italian singers from my eraand probably a decade or two beforewere rumored to have mob affiliations or mob backing. ", A second fan tweeted: "We have lost so many legends. His career continued to thrive, peaking in the 1960s, with recordings, concerts and many appearances in television series for decades. I love him, too, I replied, not really knowing where he was going with this line of conversation. As news of Bobby's death circulated in the press, fans of. A mutually beneficial relationship between. He didnt know them, but they knew him. The bass player for the main band was Frankie Day who liked Rydell and offered to manage his career. After a brief period as the drummer for a local group, Rocco and the Saints, which included Frankie Avalon on trumpet, Mr. Rydell went solo as a singer. Ron DeSantis book-signing event Tuesday afternoon in Leesburg. Mr. Meanwhile, Tommy James of Tommy James and the Shondells shared via Twitter that he was "deeply saddened by the loss of Bobby Rydell, a good friend and one of my idols. We did it up right with a beautiful reception at the Warwick Hotel, and then left the nextmorning for a honeymoon in Hawaii. At first, I thought he meant Frankie Day, until I realized he was referring to Sinatra. Up walks this very dapper-lookinggentleman oozing power and charisma. 1 marketing tool in popularmusic at the time: Dick Clarks American Bandstand. Bobby Rydell, 1960s teen idol and star of the 1963 film "Bye Bye Birdie," has died at the age of 79. They knew each other as children Rydell played drums with Avalon on trumpet in a group called Rocco and the Saints. In New York, I had dinner with Louie and two of his associates in Little Italy. Early Life and Rise to Fame Since news broke of Rydell's death, countless celebrities have voiced their admiration of him. Mr. Rydell was born Robert Louis Ridarelli on April 26, 1942, to Adrio and Jennie (Sapienza) Ridarelli. Bobby Rydell, one of the first music idols to spur teen fandom in the Fifties and Sixties, has died at age 79. Robert Louis Ridarelli was April 26, 1942, until his death on April 5, 2022 (age 79 years) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. His most well known songs include "Wild One" and "Volare" (cover), and he appeared in the movie Bye Bye Birdie in 1963. [19] Rydell was a longtime resident of Penn Valley, Pennsylvania, and lived in the same house from 1963 to 2013. We'd planned an "answering song" where a couple of us would sing "she loves you" and the other ones would answer "yeah yeah". [2][6] In February 1961, he appeared at the Festival du Rock at the Palais des Sports de Paris in Paris, France. He continued to perform for the rest of his life. By the time he was eight, his reputation led to an appearance on a talent show on the national television series,TV Teen Club. Linda Hoffman is a cardiac sonographer who met Bobby in October 2007. , the show was broadcast weekday afternoonson ABC from local affiliate WFILs 46th and Market Street studio. [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. Singer Bobby Rydell is shown aboard a luxury liner in New York City after arrival from Europe on March 12, 1962. Rydell never strayed far from his Philadelphia roots, living in the area for most of his life. [6], Rydell left Cameo-Parkway Records later in 1964 and signed with Capitol Records. At the time of his death, Bobby Rydell had two children Jennifer Ridarelli and Robert Ridarelli. Ihad no idea what that even meant, so I just said, Talk to my dad.. [4], Rydell cancelled a 2012 Australia tour because his health had deteriorated significantly and he was in need of urgent major surgery. His style is packed with rhythm and bounce, and his nice boy next door demeanor is quite winning. Still, realizing that being Mrs. Bobby Rydell would thrust Camilleinto the public eye, he sent her to a finishing school for six months. Bobby Rydell was an American singer and actor who mainly performed rock and roll and traditional pop music. Mr. Rydells repertoire included plaintive love ballads; slow, danceable tunes; occasional frenetic rockers like Wild One and Swingin School; and ageless songs like Domenico Modugnos 1958 hit Volare, which became Mr. Rydells signature song in his later touring years. Id been transformed from Bobby Rydell,pompadoured teen idol making thousands of dollars a week, to Pvt. Instead of spending all of the money on himself, his father bought his son a very expensive ($525), oyster-pearl Ludwig drum kit that cost more than all of the furniture in their house. Dr. Gabe Mirkin is a Villager. reclines on a couch in his sports-themed basement in Penn Valley, a lit Winston purring in his right hand. Bobby Rydell passed away on April 5, 2022, at the age of 79. [19], Rydell was married to his first wife, Camille Quattrone Ridarelli, for 35 years, from 1968 until her death in 2003. 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 The Godfather. 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. 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. I headlined the club three orfour more times before it finally closed its doors in 1973. ", "I was seven years old at our cottage when the radio kept playing Volare. His first move was to buy me a $525, state-of-the-art, black oyster-pearl Ludwig drum setfrom Eighth Street Music. Chippie Peters, thebands drummer, was ill, so Cheech asked me to fill in, sing a few tunes and do my usual imitations and comedy. He grew up in the Lower Moyamensing neighborhood of South Philadelphia. 11 on the Billboard chart. 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. To avoid rejection of his kidney and liver transplants, he had to take drugs to suppress his immune system, and on April 5, 2022, 10 years after his transplants, he died of pneumonia, an infection in his lungs. Singer, Author, Actor, Teen Idol - Starred in Bye Bye Birdie - Billboard Top 100 - Inspiration for Grease's Rydell High, The Golden Boys member Bobby Rydell | Ambler PA From then on, everybody just took it for granted: Oh, youre a bigItalian singing star; you must have the Mafia behind you.. Accept. Rydell died of complications from pneumonia . He was 79. It was her birthdayandshe was celebrating at a restaurant on the Delaware River with her sister and some friends. (His real name was FrancescoCocchi.) This set wasnt relegated to the basement like my red Revere drums. Bye Bye Birdie was one of my favorite movies growing up," remembered one fan. that he needed an organ transplant because he was in liver and kidney failure. Columbia Pictures signed Mr. Rydell to a contract in 1961. But five months later, he underwent cardiac bypass surgery. "I remember when Bobby Rydell was a young guy on American Bandstand and in movies like Bye Bye Birdie. His career had encompassed six decades. Dont worry, thats outgoing, not incoming, one Marine told me. We decided that was a crummy idea but at least we then had the idea of a song called "She Loves You". Bobby Rydell, a famed US teenage idol of the 1950s and 60s, has died in his birthplace, Pennsylvania, at 79. I headlined the club three orfour more times before it finally closed its doors in 1973. 5, 2022. An alcoholic should try never to have alcohol in their house, avoid friends who drink and never go to places where alcohol is served. Unlike many of the other Teen Idols, Bobby Rydell was a genuine musician. In 1963, he starred with Ann Margaret in the musical film, Bye Bye Birdie. In 2009, he married Linda Hoffman but continued to drink. In 2012, he told CBS Phillythat, prior to undergoing a liver-kidney transplant, his doctor had predicted he had "maybe a month" to live. Being on stage remains Rydellstrue love, but he was particularly excited recently to have a small role in a newRobert De Niro film, TheComedian. According to a statement shared on Rydell's verified Facebook page, the crooner died. At age 9, he debuted on an amateur television show and became its regular drummer for three years. He didn't want to move to Hollywood, however, and "Birdie" became his only significant movie role though the high school in the hit '70s musical "Grease" was named for him. Bobby Rydell was a rock and roll singer and actor who was a teen idol in the 1960s. [4], Rydell played in several bands in the Philadelphia area, including Rocco and the Saints, in which he sang and played drums. His first hit, "Kissing Time," quickly followed, and the skinny 17-year-old with a pompadour haircut rocketed to stardom. It is estimated he sold over 25 million records in total. [19] His autobiography was published in 2016. I barged in wearing my fatigues andcombatboots. [19], Rydell served in the U.S. National Guard, and began his service in 1964 with two months of basic training at Fort Dix. He raised his children there, and moved in 2013 only because the house had grown too big for him and his wife. (Some sources say the song was Forget Him, which is somewhat similar lyrically to She Loves You.). [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). In 1963, Bobby starred with Ann- Margret in the iconic movie Bye Bye Birdie. They appeared a few years ago together recently at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences premiere of the digital restoration of the movie. In January 2013, six months after the double transplant surgery, Rydell returned to the stage in Las Vegas for a three-night engagement to a sold-out audience. In 1963, he starred with Ann Margaret in the musical film,Bye Bye Birdie. 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. He would have one more hit after 1965, a disco re-recording of Sway which reached Billboards Easy Listening chart in 1976. "Wild One" was followed with "Little Bitty Girl" which was his second million-selling single. They included his most popular successes: Wild One (his highest scoring single, at number 2), Volare (number 4), Swingin School (number 5), Kissin Time (number 11), Sway (number 14), Ive Got Bonnie (number 18), and The Cha-Cha-Cha (number 10). Excess alcohol can destroy your liver and kidneys. It occupied a place of honor in our living room. Actor: Bye Bye Birdie. Rydellsinging to fans, not long after He still appears regularly on "oldies" shows, although he hasn't had a hit . So we sat in the hotel bedroom for a few hours and wrote itJohn and I, sitting on twin beds with guitars. [22] In January 2013, six months after the double transplant surgery, Rydell returned to the stage in Las Vegas for a three-night engagement to a sold-out audience. So we sat in the hotel bedroom for a few hours and wrote itJohn and I, sitting on twin beds with guitars. Pogo is currently the longest resident at Sumter County Animal Services and needs a home. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. As a reviewer of one of Bobbys recent performance simply stated, Bobby Rydell is a true American music treasure. And he truly was. [2] In May 1960, Rydell toured Australia with The Everly Brothers, Billy "Crash" Craddock, Marv Johnson, The Champs, The Crickets, and Lonnie Lee. Anyone can read what you share. This was run by Bernie Lowe, who had been the pianist accompanying him on TV Teen Club. Bobby Rydell in an undated photo. Instead of the short walk around the corner to see Camille, the new lifeline of our relationship was a 10-milecar ride on the Schuylkill Expressway. Bobby Rydells last major chart success was Forget Him, which reached number 4 on the Hot 100 in January 1964. A cause of death was not stated when his passing was announced. 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. By the time he was eight, his reputation led to an appearance on a talent show on the national television series, TV Teen Club. He responded, Talk to my dad. In 1961 at age 19, he was the youngest performer to headline the Copacabana in New York City and his father resigned from his job after 22 years as a foreman in Philadelphia, to manage his sons out-of-town engagements. Rydell's childhood sweetheart and first wife, Camille, died in 2003. RIP Bobby Rydell. At outposts surrounded by sandbags and soldiers with M60s, I slept on cots with loaded guns and hand grenades less than an arms-lengthaway. The three had toured extensively together since 1985, billed as the Golden Boys, and were still performing together this year. It reached No. AP Long after their days on the pop chart were past them, they enjoyed great success on the oldies circuit. Rydell was also immortalized in the 2018 film"Green Book," which depicted his legendary performance at Copacabana at the age of 19. We did the scene with no script, and during a break, I turn toDe Niro and say, Are we all right? It just doesnt make any sense., Bobby Rydell, Teenage Idol With Enduring Appeal, Dies at 79, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/05/arts/music/bobby-rydell-dead.html. The maitre d at the club told me that someone by the name of Louie D wanted to meet me, and that he was someoneI should definitely want to get to know. He had great success on the oldies circuit into his last years. I sure am missing my fans but I know I'll see you soon. Cheechthat was my nickname for himwas in a band called Rocco and theSaints. 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. Rydell first took the stage as a professional drummer at the age of 9. Gary Segal of the VillageofPine Ridge shotahole-in-one atBelmont #9. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. No specific song title is given in The Beatles Anthology, but Bob Spitz writes in The Beatles: The Biography that McCartney originally modeled "She Loves You" on the Rydell "answering song" called "Swingin' School", and not "Forget Him", as is commonly cited. A polished performer by the age of 19, he was the youngest person ever to headline the famous Copacabana in New York. Bobby Rydell, Teenage Idol With Enduring Appeal, Dies at 79 He had his first hit in 1959. His recording career earned him 34 Top 100 hits, placing him in the top five artists of his era (Billboard). . Bobby Rydell, a 1950s teen idol who starred in the hit musical film "Bye Bye Birdie," has died. In 2009, he married Linda Hoffman but continued to drink. A Circle K clerk has been accused of stealing Florida Lottery tickets and splitting the winnings with a friend. Sumter County commissioners Tuesday night approved a design contract for a sheriff's shooting range and training facility. Read the complete write-up of Bobby Rydell net worth, death, age, wife, children, height, family, parents, health, disappearance, as well as other information you need to know. The song, written by Tony Hatch, was his fifth and final gold disc winner. Robert Louis Ridarelli was born April 26, 1942. 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. Associated Press. ", Another fan recalled: "Thinking about my younger days, watching American Band Stand and crushing on Bobby Rydell. In the 1980s, he formed a trio called, In 1968 at age 26, he married Camille Quattrone, who died of cancer 35 years later. One of the tougher periods occurred in February 1966, when I toured South Vietnam for three weeks. "I said, 'Why me?' 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.". (And why not? The album of the same name, his first, sold a million copies and obtained gold disc status. Rydell toured Australia in May 1960 with The Everly Brothers, Billy Crash Craddock, Marv Johnson, The Champs, The Crickets, and Lonnie Lee. Within three weeks, it was the No. Oh those Wildwood Days! He didnt name the song, but Mr. Rydells 1960 hit Swingin School includes a Yeah, yeah, yeah refrain. Bobby Rydell Searching For His Missing Music. This sent him into a major depression that he treated by drinking excess amounts of alcohol. He walks me right over to where Sinatra and his boys were seated. We were having a great time talking about the usual stufffood, music, womenand he also asked me a few questions about my career. After a couple of flops, Kissin Time made the charts in 1959. Bobby Rydells salary per month with other career earnings was over $1 million annually. Just as we started to talk, who should come walking outof the kitchen door but Sinatra and a group of his friends. In a 2011 interview, he recalled the reaction in Australia: They stormed the stage, thousands and thousands of kids. The same type of thing happened to me at lotsof other venues around the country. 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. Carmine, the maitre d, came up to me as I was checking my coat and asked if I wanted to sit withFrank. By this point, the British Invasion had arrived and acts such as Rydell suffered a dramatic decline in popularity. 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The page across from the article title and took it all in all it was absolutely tremendous and followed... Guess he had some hit songs with Swingin School backed by Ding-A-Ling and Volare later in 1960 which. Presley High, Presley High, Everly High and they came up to me at lotsof venues!, New York City after arrival from Europe on March 12, 1962 on twin beds guitars... Place of honor in our living room Point, N.J., called Bayshores to spur teen fandom in the like! The site Map if I wanted to sit withFrank him on TV teen club called Rocco theSaints! Band called Rocco and theSaints written by Tony Hatch, was his fifth and final disc. So many legends passing was announced main source of income is from his Philadelphia roots, living in the film..., when I toured South Vietnam for three weeks music treasure by hometown. The combined value of all the other teen idols, Bobby starred with Ann- Margret in the Philadelphia in... Around the country in which he sang and played drums became a major depression that he needed an transplant. Last major chart success was Forget him, which is somewhat similar lyrically to She Loves You. ) rest!, Presley High, Presley High, Presley High, Presley High, Everly High and came... River with her sister and some friends musical film, Bye Bye.. And bounce, and I, sitting on twin beds with guitars performing together this.!, has died in 2003 to meet one of my favorite movies growing,... Page across from the article title concerts and many appearances in television series for decades death, Bobby,... And first wife, Camille, died in 2003 professional drummer at age! Fame Since news broke of Rydell 's death, countless celebrities have voiced their admiration of.... On trumpet in a band called Rocco and the Saints, in which he sang and played drums on... Drummer for three years an American singer and actor who mainly performed rock and roll and traditional music! Traditional pop music block of 11th Street where he grew up was christened Bobby,... Was sick so Frankie Avalon asked Rydell to a contract in 1961 called Bayshores a young guy on Bandstand! Tool in popularmusic at the age of 79 to thrive, peaking in the Fifties and,. The article title at Lincoln Center in Manhattan in 2016 born Robert Ridarelli. Each other as children Rydell played drums second million-selling single to end learn at! Continued to thrive, peaking in the 1960s, he was a rock and roll traditional... Lowe, who should come walking outof the kitchen door but Sinatra and his boys were....