Bobby Rydell was born as Robert Ridarelli in Philadelphia in 1942. Already at the age of eight he started singing in nightclubs and in 1950 he won a talent competition in American television.
His father changed his name to Bobby Rydell and the young singer began playing drums in a band, along with fellow musician Frankie Avalon on trumpet.
They grew up just two blocks apart and would tour together later in life.
Breakthrough
Bobby Rydell broke through with the song "Kissin 'time" in 1959 and had several big hits until American pop music changed when "Beatlemania" hit like a bomb in 1964. He had five top ten hits and a total of 34 songs on the Billboard chart, among them "Volare", "Sway" and "Swingin 'school".
In 1963, he played Ann Margaret's magnificent boyfriend in the musical "Bye bye birdie", but Bobby Rydell did not want to continue his film career in California.
In interviews, he said he always thrived best in Philadelphia, where he lived all his life.
Inspired by the Beatles
When Bobby Rydell made one of his many tours abroad and stayed in London in 1963, The Beatles got on his tour bus to meet him, but he did not yet know who they were.
Paul McCartney claimed that "She loves you" was inspired by one of Bobby Rydell's songs, but has never revealed which one.
That the school in "Grease" is called Rydell High is a direct allusion to Bobby Rydell's teenage idol status.
During the rest of the 60's and 70's, Bobby Rydell often appeared in American television's café programs.
In 1985, he started touring with his childhood friend Frankie Avalon and artist Fabian under the name The Golden Boys with a nostalgic show.
He continued to do so until his death.
They had a summer tour planned for 2022.
Bobby Rydell died in the suites of pneumonia.
He turned 79 years old.