Singer and actor Bobby Rydell dies aged 79 after 1960s hits and Bye Bye Birdie fame

dailystar.co.uk:

TMZ, Bobby passed away on Tuesday. Although no cause of death has been confirmed, a source told the publication that he had been suffering from health issues in recent months and was diagnosed with pneumonia.

His cause of death is not thought to be Covid related.The music legend rose to fame during the 1950s and 1960s as a true teen sensation, famous for hits such as Volare and Wild One.As well as his most popular records, Bobby was known for tunes including Kissin' Time, We Got Love and Swinging School.Paul McCartney once said that Swinging School was the inspiration behind The Beatles' hit She Loves You.Born Robert Louis Ridarelli in Philadelphia on April 26 1942, his first taste of the spotlight came when he won Paul Whiteman's TV Teen Club in 1950, a talent show where he remained for several years (during which time he changed to his stage name).His big hits Volare and Wild One were both released in 1960s, shortly before he decided to try his hand at acting.

Bobby starred on TV, stage and film and his acting career was most notable for his performance in the movie version of Bye Bye Birdie, in which he starred alongside Dick Van Dyke.The high school in the Broadway and film version of Grease was said to be named after him - Rydell High.

There are also a number of streets in Philadelphia named after him.Heartbroken fans have been reacting to the tragic news on social media.