South Philly: Last News

A.D. Amorosi Bobby Rydell, the epitome of the early ’60s “teen idol,” who parlayed that image into a starring role in the 1963 film “Bye Bye Birdie,” died today at age 79.His death just days away from his 80th birthday was confirmed by radio legend Jerry Blavat, Rydell’s longtime friend from the singer’s South Philadelphia stomping grounds.Rydell’s fame as the epitome of an American teen pop star in the days before rock’s British Invasion was such that Rydell High School in the film “Grease” was named after him.Born Robert Louis Ridarelli on April 26, 1942, Rydell started singing and playing drums at age 6, and by 7, began performing professionally in nightclubs in the Philly/South Jersey area at the urging of his father.

Bobby Rydell died from non-Covid related pneumonia complications on Tuesday (5 April) at Philadelphia’s Jefferson Hospital, his spokesperson confirmed. The “Wildwood Days” singer was 79. File photo: Bobby Rydell at a press reception in London on 17 February 1961Remembered for hits including “Volare” and “Swinging School”, Rydell also appeared in the 1963 movie Bye Bye Birdie with Dick Van Dyke and Ann-Margret.